Behind the Call

Contributor: John Carter

Technology Corner:

The world of technology is constantly evolving; From artificial intelligence (AI) to smaller, faster computers, satellite communications, and new software, Public Safety Communications/911 must stay abreast of the emerging technologies that drive our industry and keep our community safe.

We had the opportunity to send staff members to the International Wireless Communications Expo. The conference included training certifications (General Communications Technician), seminars relating to developing technologies, and a vendor hall where the latest equipment, software, and accessories were displayed.

We learned how AI is being used to improve information collection so that we may process call more quickly and improve location accuracy, so we know where to send help. AI can also be used in our quality assurance program to evaluate calls so that we may hone our customer service skills. Satellite technologies, such as Starlink, and cell phone and two-way radio connections to satellites are beginning to change the way we communicate during disasters; keeping first responders and the public connected when it means the most.

Public Safety Communications’ Technical Services Division manages the communications technologies that are used by police, fire, ems, public works, and many others. It is our responsibility to maintain communications paths and keeping information flowing. Training classes, seminars, and conferences are just a few ways we improve our knowledge and understanding ensuring that we are ready for the next technologies so that we can bring them to our customers.

Various images from the International Wirelwess Communications Expo including radios, an exhibit hall, mobile management vehicles, technology for sale, and a mobile generator.

Contributor: Ruth Shear

Picture of Information and Public Safety Education Coordinator Ruth Shear

Inspiring Future 911 Telecommunicators

School career day season is here, providing an exceptional opportunity for us to engage with the young minds in our community and inspire potential future 911 Telecommunicators (TCOs). These visits to community schools are a vital platform to discuss the critical role that TCOs play in public safety, emphasizing the skills and dedication required to excel in this essential profession. By sharing our experiences and insights, we can ignite a passion for service and highlight the impact that effective communication and quick decision-making can have in emergency situations.

Pictures of Public Safety Communications staff in the front of various classrooms for career days in York County with a presentation about working for 911.

We recently attended one of our favorite events of the year, and PSC 911 Education had a great time getting out in the community and debuting our Education Express Trailer which enhances our efforts to help our residents and their families know how to be 911 ready for emergencies! Thanks to Fort Mill EMS for putting on this great event, and to PSC Staff that attended that day.

Images of kids looking at phones, and playing games, coloring at the fun with first responder public event.

I was happy to contribute to the recent edition of Life in the Hill magazine. In the April publication, I share invaluable community safety and awareness information and talk about the upcoming National 911 Education Month. Please see the article below with special thanks to Best Version Media and Life in the Hill magazine.

Email Us to Learn More

PSC Education YouTube Channel

Contributor: Cheryl Norman

Picture of professional Standards Coordinator, Chery Norman

Professional Standards March 2026

CALEA

York County Public Safety Communications is currently in the process of completing the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Year 2 evaluation. The Web-based assessment will take place March 20-28th. Over the last year, the Professional Standards team has collected the proofs needed to complete the assessment.

Thank you to everyone involved in gathering and completing the items needed to finalize the assessment.

FOIA

Freedom of Information Act is available to all responders and the general public.

Responders should email PSC@yorkcountysc.gov and include the Call for Service or Report number as well as the date, time and exact information needed (such as radio traffic, phone calls).

Any FOIA request from the public including Lawyer’s offices will need to utilize the link below.

FOIA Requests

Contributor: Carina Cordova

Picture of I.T. Technician, Carina Cordoba

MARCH 2026 TECHNICAL SERVICES

CURRENT PROJECTS:

We now have a Blanchard Caterpillar Portable generator to use in the case of inclement weather and power outages.
Ricky and Devyn assisted our Information & Public Safety Education Coordinator, Ruth, with completing the 911 Simulation Trailer for future educational events for York County!
PSC Server Room UPS Battery Maintenance Room
Electrical Work will be completed at our Bullock Creek and Hickory Creek Tower Sites
Cache equipment loaned: Fort Mill EMS – Fun with First Responders, Rock Hill Emergency Management – St. Patrick’s Day, Clover PD – St. Patrick’s Day Festival, Rock Hill Emergency Management – BMX Carolina Nationals.
Radio programming projects: Ricky and Devyn currently assisting MCA with programming York County Fire radios, Town of Fort Mill – Public Works, Catawba Bend Preserve, York County Natural Gas Authority – Bluetooth capabilities for their SCBA masks.
Carina, Mike, Veronica, & Amber spent an afternoon with Charlotte Medic. We toured their impressive facility, fleet, dispatch center, and break room!

Medic garage, EMS trucks, Veronica and Carina driving in a car, medic breakroom, map of Mecklenberg Coiunty

Top: (L) Medic Garage: EMS Trucks Ready to Deploy. (R) Veronica & Carina Enjoying the Drive.

Bottom: (L) Medic's Swanky Break Room. (R) Map of Mecklenburg County

Top: (L) New Blanchard Caterpillar Portable Generator, Ready for Outages. (R) APX N30 Radios Programmed for Catawba Bend Preserve. Bottom: (L/R) IT Recently Assisted NCGA w/Updating Their Radios to Connect Their SCBA Masks w/Bluetooth.

We are pleased to announce our Employee of the Year for 2025, Sara Zike. Along with her duties as a shift supervisor, Sara has also been instrumental in assisting and following up with individuals through our considerable hiring process, going above and beyond her daily duties. Congratulations to Sara on this well-deserved award. We are proud of you and the work you do for us and our community!

Community agencies that have supported TCO week PW's, Chicken King, Strikers, Anne Springs Close Greenway, Whitewater Center, Nascar Hall of Fame, Groucho's, Penn Station, Soiuthern Salads, Sub Station 2, Tender Hearts, Katana, Orange Theory, Lake Wylie Pins & Wins, Comporium, Hungry Heroes.

Thank you to the above community supporters of our upcoming TCO Week. Community members like you make this week truly special and we appreciate all you do for our 911 Heroes!

TCO Week is coming soon! This is a time for us to recognize our 911 Teams for their dedication and work as first, first responders. This year's theme is PSC Rescue Ranch: A Wild West Salute Honoring Our 911 Heroes! Every year this celebration is made possible due to the generosity of our community members. Our TCO's feel the love and are truly thankful for the way York County steps up to celebrate them. To learn more about this week, or if you would like to contribute to our celebration, check out the attachments to learn more! As always, we are grateful for the community we serve.