Villagers, participating in the Sumter County Sheriff’s Office Citizens Academy, were treated to a VIP tour of the sheriff’s recently-opened Public Safety Center adjacent to the County’s Service Center and Library on Powell Road.
The two-story, 45,800 square foot building now is home to administrative offices; Emergency Operations Center; Fire, Ambulance and Emergency Medical Services; as well as the 911 Joint Dispatch and Emergency Call Centers.
The tour was led by Lt. John Galvin, of the Sheriff Office’s Criminal Investigation Division. He escorted the group into several offices such as the IT center and its massive computer server room responsible to maintaining all record keeping and constant radio communications with 131 patrol cars.
The group also viewed the camera-equipped interrogation rooms and 11 holding cells, separated for men, women and juveniles, for those arrested in the county’s northern area before their transfer to the county jail in Bushnell.
A highlight was the state-of-the-art Communications Center with its wall-to-wall, gigantic computer and television monitors allowing for immediate visual access to all sheriff activities.
“Currently, there are 13 active workstations than can be expanded to 21 as our needs increase,” explained Communications Director Caren Holloway. “Last year, we handled 54,000 ‘911’ calls and another 198,000 non-emergency incoming and outgoing telephone calls.”
The Villagers also glimpsed into the six-bed dormitory.
“This secluded area is especially important for deputies and other staff members who are pulling extended, 24-hour shifts, such as during hurricanes,” said Michelle Keszey, public information officer. “Everyone needs a quiet place to get away for a few hours.”
The new facility also serves Sumter County residents who require the sheriff office’s assistance.
“We want people to know we’re here,” urged Kala Thompson, a receptionist. “We can help them obtain documents such as police reports and gun permits; or be finger-printed when required for employment; and even pay parking fines.”
The new facility, built to withstand hurricane-force winds, serves as the County’s northern headquarters, while a new 20,000 square foot center in Bushnell will be responsible for the southern area and serve as a back-up Emergency Operations Center.
“This has been a wonderful experience. Everyone should know what is available,” said Jane Stone, of the Village of Poinciana, who also volunteers at the Sheriff Office’s Villages’ annex. “This gives me piece of mind knowing what is available just a phone call away. I feel safe.”
The next Citizen’s Academy, conducted as a public service by the Sheriff’s Office, begins next September for all Sumter County residents. For more information or to reserve a slot, contact Theresa Cooper, community relations coordinator, at (352) 689-4604.