Waynesville Central Dispatch

05/30/2026

We are heartbroken by the loss of one of our beloved members, Corporal Gary Daniels.

Gary was a solid man of character, a trusted teammate, and a smiling face to so many across the Patrol family. His service, leadership, and care for others left a lasting mark on those who worked beside him and those he helped guide.

Even the strongest minds can face dark moments. Pain can seep in quietly, and sometimes it reaches those we would never expect.

To every coworker, friend, and loved one: you are not alone. Help is always available. Please ask for help, check on one another, and never hesitate to call or text 988 for the Su***de & Crisis Lifeline. Support is free, confidential, and available 24/7.

Gary will be missed, remembered, and forever part of the Patrol family.

05/18/2026

https://www.facebook.com/share/v/1GRwTkpdv7/

04/27/2026

Strong to severe storms are expected to develop along a cold front this afternoon with the best chances of storms along and east of U.S. 65. All modes of severe weather will be possible, including the potential for very large hail and a few large tornadoes.

04/27/2026

04/27/2026

The Pulaski County Courthouse storm shelter is open Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.

Additionally, the shelter will open any time a tornado WARNING is issued for Pulaski County or other surrounding counties (Laclede, Phelps, Camden, & Maries).

Besides the Waynesville location, there are public storm shelters available at the Richland Elementary School & the Crocker School.

We urge everyone to have a backup plan in place if the shelter becomes inoperable (tornado strikes the courthouse, staff unable to respond, roads are blocked, etc.). If the storm shelter becomes unavailable or if you're unable to safely drive to the shelter, you should seek shelter in a basement or windowless interior ground-level room.

In the meantime, you should monitor official weather reports to stay informed of changing weather conditions. National Weather Service, KY3 Weather, and KOLR OzarksFirst are three sources we recommend.

It is also recommended that you investing in a battery-powered weather radio as it announces storm warnings as soon as they are issued by the National Weather Service. Also, a weather radio will operate even when cell service is lost. You can get a weather radio on Amazon for around twenty dollars.

Additionally, we recommend you download the Hyper-Reach App & TheSheriffsApp to receive notifications directly to your phone via text, call, & email.

If you are in an area where storm sirens have been installed, please be aware that storm sirens are designed for OUTDOOR use only. You may not hear the sirens if you are indoors.

04/12/2026

This week is National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, and we want to recognize the women and men who serve as the critical link between those in need and those who respond.

In moments of chaos, fear, and uncertainty, they are the calm. They gather life-saving information, coordinate complex incidents, and guide both callers and first responders through situations where every second matters.

Their work may never be seen by the public, but it is felt in every response, every life saved, and every family that gets help when they need it most.

Join us in recognizing and celebrating these heroes this week, and take a moment to appreciate the professionals who are always there when Waynesville calls.

04/12/2026

It’s ✨National Public Safety Telecommunicator Week ✨
That is really a mouthful to just say-- it’s Dispatch appreciation week!
Dispatchers are some of the lowest on the totem pole when it comes to the public safety world because we just “answer the phones and radios”. We are considered clerical workers by most authorities and officials.
I won’t argue with anyone, because they’ve never sat in my seat and done this job.
I can’t think of many clerical works who could keep composure after a child CPR call, to an officer shot, to a missing person, to a self inflicted gunshot wound where the daughter found the victim, etc.
If you’re ever curious, just search the hashtag
This is a week to show appreciation to those who answer the phone calls on your worst days to make sure you have help, even if other people would find it truly insignificant. We care.
I work with an extremely compassionate group of people that I am thankful to rely on day in and day out for many things.
I hope everyone finds the time to thank their local dispatchers (even if you’ve never had to call them yourself) or maybe a close loved one whose a dispatcher.
To all my work family and dispatch friends in other agencies, thank you for all you do every day. 🖤💛🖤