Behind the Call
Public Safety Communications 9-1-1: October 2026
Recently, I had the opportunity to join members of PSC’s management and attend the APCO/NENA 2026 conference in Myrtle Beach, SC. This was a wonderful experience where I was able to better understand of my role as a TCO, the technology that we use every day, and how I can better incorporate my background as a counselor to better support the dispatch center.
The conference was split into several days. On the first day I was able to meet with vendors from different fields that help support various aspects of dispatch centers. Some of these areas include computer programs, phone/radio technology, as well as furniture for agencies. The second day was comprised of several breakout sessions that covered various mental health topics. Topics included trauma, stress, psychological readiness, and suicide response in 911.
My main take-away from the conference is that the topic of mental health needs to be discussed more in dispatch centers. We need to better support not only ourselves but also our co-workers in the face of the trauma we experience every day. One of the statistics that hit the hardest was that so far in 2026, 17 dispatchers have taken their own lives. As Dr. Perkins from the training said, “the (9-1-1) profession ASSUMES resilience instead of training (dispatchers) in it.” While I do not know the circumstances for why those 17 dispatchers took their lives, I believe that if mental health and resilience was emphasized more in dispatch centers, there is a higher chance those 17 individuals could have gotten the support they deserved.
One way that some dispatch centers do offer support to their staff is through peer-support groups. I am so proud that my center has a peer-support team that checks in on dispatchers who may have dealt with a tough call. Similar to the field of counseling, the peer-support team is able “to provide one-on-one peer support, crisis intervention, and follow-up services as necessary” as stated in our peer support policy. This is a group of individuals who have gone through training to support both individuals and groups in crisis. I believe peer-support teams should be mandatory for all centers to support the forgotten victims: the dispatchers.
The Importance of Knowing How to Call 911
In emergencies, time is of the essence, and knowing how to call 911 can be the difference between life and death. This crucial skill is not limited to adults alone; it is imperative that people of all ages, from young children to the elderly, are educated on how to contact emergency services. When everyone is equipped with this knowledge, the likelihood of a quick response increases significantly, which can be critical in scenarios such as medical emergencies, fires, or witnessing a crime. Furthermore, understanding how to communicate effectively with a 911 operator, including stating the nature of the emergency and providing accurate location information, can expedite the arrival of help, ensuring that the situation is managed as swiftly as possible.
Teaching people at every age how to call 911 fosters a sense of responsibility and empowerment. For children, it instills a sense of awareness and preparedness, making them capable of acting decisively should they find themselves in a distressing situation. For older adults, it reinforces their ability to maintain independence while ensuring they have the tools to seek help when needed.
Including this education in school curriculums and community programs can dramatically increase public safety, as it encourages a culture of vigilance and readiness. Ultimately, when every individual knows how to efficiently reach out for help, communities become safer and more resilient, capable of responding effectively in times of crisis. We can help! Use the button below to request a visit from PSC 911 Education!
OCTOBER 2026 TECHNICAL SERVICES
PENDING PROJECTS:
-Starlink installs on PSC Trailers
- 911 Workstation replacements
- Tower Site Roof Maintenance
- Tower Line Repair
- Radio Flashing Project
CACHE RADIO DEPLOYMENTS:
- Catawba Bend Park Grand Opening
- Bethany Fire Halloween Event
- Fort Mill Fire Department Fall Festival
GOT RADIO ISSUES? THERE ARE THREE WAYS TO REACH TECHNICAL SERVICES!
1)TECH SERVICES WEBSITE (preferred method)
https://www.yorkcountysc.gov/282/Technical-Services-Radio-Communications Forms must be completed to initiate radio service requests.
2)PHONE – 803-909-7504
Call for general inquiries and technical support.
3)EMAIL – psc.support@yorkcountysc.gov
Using this email for general inquiries and technical support.
Andy Tinson is from Charlotte, where he was previously a communications center supervisor for CLT Airport Operations. He started his career in public safety as a volunteer firefighter and an EMT/Paramedic before moving into communications. Andy is active with North Carolina ESF-2 as a credentialed Communications Technician (COMT) and is a task force member of the Charlotte Fire Department Field Comm Unit. When not at work, Andy enjoys spending time with his dogs, being with his family, trying new restaurants, kayaking, watching the Red Sox, and working on graphic design projects.
October 2026
This month’s training will focus on radiological preparedness and response. The training will be provided by York County Emergency Management and cover the fundamentals of radiation, emergency worker exposure limits, the use of dosimetry equipment, and the administration and purpose of potassium iodide.
The training will be held at the Catawba Nuclear Station on Lake Wylie and includes a tour of the facility. Located on the 391-acre Concord Peninsula, the plant plays a significant role in energy production, generating approximately 18.5 billion kilowatt-hours of electricity annually.
This training will provide our telecommunicators with valuable knowledge and insight into radiological emergencies and the importance of preparedness. Thank you all for your continued commitment to learning, professional development, and serving our community.
Professional Standards October 2026
CALEA
York County Public Safety Communications is currently gathering files for the Commission of Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) Year 3 evaluation. The Web-based assessment will take place January 15th to January 22nd.
I attended the South Carolina Police Accreditation Coalition Conference that took place September 30th to October 2nd. During those several days, I was able to gain knowledge to better understand the CALEA evaluation process and learn more about the PowerDMS system. I also met with other accreditation managers within South Carolina and gained contact information to use for additional assistance.
FOIA
Freedom of Information Act provides the public the right to access records from agencies. While processing Freedom of Information Act requests, certain information may be removed from the audio or transcription to protect the individuals making the original complaint.
Freedom of Information Act is available to all responders and the general public (fee may apply).
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 following link.
https://yorkcountysc.justfoia.com/publicportal/home/newrequest
Event Channels
Event channels for responders can be requested at the following link. Filling out this form will ensure that your request is received and completed in a timely manner.
