Washington Parish officials and residents gathered this past Saturday morning at the new parish 911 Communications Center for an official ribbon-cutting and grand opening.
The event marked a big step forward for emergency communications in Washington Parish. After many years of delays, the new Communications Center is finally focused on achieving its intended purpose: A unified system that will enhance efficiency and response to all 911 calls in the parish for all law enforcement departments and all emergency agencies. The new facility is located in the center of the parish, off Highway 10 at Dollar Road.
Sheriff Jason Smith was joined by many parish officials as he formally cut the ribbon to open the Communications Center. Among those officials were Parish President Ryan Seal and Franklinton Mayor Darwin Sharp. Also there were state Sen. Beth Mizell and state Rep. John Wyble. Representatives of all police and fire departments in the parish were also present.
Dozens of other people, mostly private citizens, also came to see the ribbon being cut and to particpate in the open house.
Sheriff Smith offered a special thanks to the Washington Parish 911 Communications District for its assistance and support during the transition period.
Jim Coleman and Joanna Thomas, who were with the Communications District back when the center was constructed more than ten years ago, were commended by the sheriff.
Smith noted that the original vision of enhancing 911 communications for the parish resulted in the new center finally being opened for business. He presented Coleman and Mrs. Thomas with plaques of appreciation.
Lt. Ashley Boudreaux of the Sheriff’s Office was also recognized for her contributions to the project. Last year she was promoted to become supervisor of the Sheriff’s Office’s Dispatch Operations. She then served as a liaison between the various agencies involved in the move into the new center.
Smith offered his thanks also to those who attended the ceremony and he thanked the citizens of the parish for supporting the Sheriff’s Office not just in the implementation of the communications center, but also in its daily role of serving the general welfare of everyone in the parish.
