Telecommunicator of the Year

Brandi Duncan

911 Communications

Agency Information:


Location: 294 South Main Street

                   Marion, NC 28752


Non-Emergency Phone: 828-659-2241


911 Manager: Amberlie Buff

                           828-659-2241                                                                               amberlie.buff@mcdowellgov.com

The McDowell County 911 Communication Center answers emergency and non-emergency phone calls for all emergency agencies in McDowell County including fire, rescue, EMS, Marion PD, Old Fort PD, and McDowell Sheriff’s Office.  Communicators prioritize the calls and dispatch them to the appropriate agencies utilizing nationally standardized protocols ensuring accurate and timely instructions are provided to the 911 caller. McDowell County 911 uses PROQA software including EMD, EFD, and EPD. Telecommunicators are responsible for the safety of all emergency personnel by monitoring multiple radio frequencies, knowing the location of all responders and law enforcement officers as well as sending the appropriate utilities needed to support the incident.  The Communications Center also monitors weather events in compliance with National Weather Service standards of being a Storm Ready County.  Telecommunicators must have good judgment, tact and courtesy when dealing with callers, responders and support staff. Telecommunicators perform in accordance to established policy, procedures and protocols. McDowell County 911 has five fully equipped 911 terminals.


Dispatch Services:
Dispatch services and support services are provided to the following agencies in and around McDowell County.

Law Enforcement:
Marion Police Department

Old Fort Police Department

McDowell County Sheriff's Office

NC Wildlife

US Forest Service Law Enforcement


Emergency Medical Services:
McDowell County EMS


Emergency Management:

McDowell County Emergency Management

Fire Departments:

Ashford North Cove Fire Department

Crooked Creek Fire Department

Dysartsville Fire Department

Glenwood Fire Department

Hankins Fire Department

Marion Fire Department

Nebo Fire Department

Old Fort Fire Department

PG Fire Department

Sugar Hill Fire Department

Woodlawn Fire Department

North Carolina Forest Service


Rescue:

McDowell County Rescue Squad - Station 97 ​​