Dear Editor, I write anonymously out of concern for Brantley County’s emergency services and the citizens who rely on them.
The Brantley County E911 Center is losing one full-time employee and soon to be more after the County Commission reversed a previously approved raise. This raise would not have increased the budget, as the funds were to come from positions that have remained vacant for over a year. The reversal was heavily influenced by Commissioner Randy Davison (Post Three).
Morale is now at a breaking point. Once the current resignation and projected resignations take effect, the center will have only one certified full-time dispatcher left to cover all shifts—24 hours a day, 7 days a week. One uncertified employee may assist but cannot work alone. Three part-time employees may help only if their other jobs allow.
Without urgent action, the county may be forced to forward 911 calls to another jurisdiction. However, the current radio system is not compatible with outside counties toning out Brantley Fire, EMS, or law enforcement. This means emergency response could be delayed or disrupted when every second counts.
The E911 Center is the first point of contact in any emergency. Decisions that impact its staffing and functionality must prioritize public safety above politics. Rescinding a no-cost raise and risking collapse of essential services is unacceptable.
I urge the Brantley County Commission, specifically Randy Davison to reconsider this decision before lives are put at risk.
A Concerned Citizen
