Tag Archives: Putnam County 911

Smart devices are causing a consistent increase in accidental 911 calls across the Upper Cumberland. Van Buren 911 Director Julie Dodson said the number of accidental 911 calls has been rising steadily ever since people started getting their own smartphones. She said people keep their phones unlocked in their pockets, which can often lead to an accidental call. “But over ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 has started the search for price estimates to upgrade its 911 radio system. Assistant Director Brandon Smith said the current system is aging and shows limitations. “So, we’ve been working with a accessing with a technical working group from all of the agencies that use the public safety radio system in Putnam County and have been accessing ... Read More »

Putnam County 911 will look to increase its department by adding two full-time dispatchers. Director Penny Foister said if the employees are included in the county budget this would bring the dispatch staff to 14. Foister said that calls are increasing across the board and funds are finally available to add staff. “We get money from the surcharges that you ... Read More »

Tennessee will require dispatchers to be able to give directions on how to perform CPR over the phone starting in 2021. Putnam County Sheriff Eddie Farris said he agrees with the law and supports making this training mandatory. Farris said most of his dispatchers have already gone through this training, but there’s more to the training than just knowing CPR ... Read More »

The first Assistant Director in the history of Putnam County 911 was given a plaque for 40 years of service Thursday. Former Assistant Director Mike Thompson started as EMT and worked his way through the department into an administrative role. The Current Putnam County 911 Assistant Director Brandon Smith said Thompson was a mentor, and helped implement systems the department ... Read More »

Putnam County’s part-time dispatchers will see a $2 pay increase beginning in December. The Emergency Communications District Board approved the pay raise Thursday. The change will take part-time dispatcher pay from $12 to $14. Putnam County 911 Director Penny Foister said this decision should improve performance and save money. “Hopefully, it will help us attract more people who are interested ... Read More »

A Putnam County home has been completely destroyed by an early morning fire on Turkey Hollow Road. Putnam County Fire Chief Tom Brown said fire crews dispatched Thursday at about 4:00 AM. No one was home at the time of the fire, and had collapsed by the time crews arrived on scene. The fire was discovered by the owners father, ... Read More »

Brandon Smith will lose the Interim Assistant Director Title at Putnam County 911 when he steps in full time for his mentor Mike Thompson. The Putnam County Emergency Communications board voted to make Smith the full-time assistant director. Smith said stepping in for someone who spent 40 years serving Putnam County is an honor. “I can honestly say that I’m ... Read More »