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Snohomish County 911 has officially opened a new $67.5 million emergency communications center designed to keep first responders connected and supported — no matter the crisis. The facility consolidates operations under one roof for the first time in the agency’s history, dramatically improving coordination, communications and continuity of service across all 44 law enforcement, fire and EMS agencies in the county.
In this episode of the Policing Matters podcast, host Jim Dudley talks with SNO911 Executive Director Kurt Mills and ECC Supervisor Kim Crannell about the planning, challenges and people behind the $67.5 million upgrade. The conversation highlights how the facility was designed with dispatcher input, how it’s built to withstand disasters and how unified operations are already improving service for first responders in the field.
|LEARN MORE: Snohomish County 911
Tune in to discover:
- Why SNO911’s dispatchers helped design their new $67.5M center — and what features they insisted on
- How building to Risk Category IV standards keeps 911 online during earthquakes, storms and major incidents
- What really changed when dispatch, tech and radio teams finally worked under one roof
- How a new P25 radio system and CAD upgrades are making field comms faster and clearer
- Why involving staff from day one transformed morale — and set the tone for the future of emergency communications
Key takeaways from this episode:
- Dispatcher voices shaped the build: Kim Krenell led a cross-agency committee that ensured employee feedback — from lighting to wellness rooms — was reflected in every design decision.
- Unified operations eliminate call transfers: The consolidation of staff into one facility has removed the need for 911 call transfers, cutting delays and improving response times.
- Facility is disaster-resilient and self-sustaining: Built to Risk Category IV standards, the center includes seismic bracing, backup generators, food/water reserves and layered network connectivity.
- Technology upgrades launched in sync: SNO911 implemented a new P25 digital radio system alongside the facility move, improving clarity and reliability for field units.
- Culture and morale got a boost: Dispatcher sentiment has radically improved since the move, with staff reporting pride in the space and renewed energy for their mission.
About our sponsor
This episode of the Policing Matters podcast is sponsored by OfficerStore. Learn more about getting the gear you need at prices you can afford by visiting OfficerStore.com.
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