The Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center has been Serving Citizens and First Responders in the Queen City since 1931 

Cincinnati, OH – The City of Cincinnati is celebrating 95 years of service by the Emergency Communications Center (ECC), which began as “Station X” in 1931, taking calls from residents in need and using radio technology to dispatch the City’s responders. 

In those early days, emergency communications were in their infancy as first responders received messages but had no ability to radio back to the communications center. The center was called Station X in 1931 because then, just as X is an unknown quantity in mathematics, it was unknown how this new resource would transform public safety service delivery. Today, the ECC operates as a modern, integrated hub, coordinating real-time communication between Police, Fire, EMS, Crisis Teams, Alternative Response to Crisis, and 311 Community Responders to ensure the right response is sent to every situation. 

While technology and capabilities have evolved, the ECC’s mission remains unchanged: deliver the highest quality emergency and non-emergency services as quickly as possible while keeping residents and first responders safe and informed. 

“The ECC is the heartbeat of public safety in Cincinnati,” stated Director Bill Vedra. “For 95 years, our call-takers and radio dispatchers have been the calm voice during someone’s most difficult moments. Their work saves lives every single day. Although the work looks different today than it did when Station X opened in 1931, our mission is the same, and we are proud of ECC’s efforts to continually improve community safety.” 

This milestone year has already been marked by several achievements, including earning dual accreditations from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch in emergency police and medical dispatch and sharing experience with colleagues in the industry at eight presentations this year during the IAED’s Navigator Conference – an international gathering of emergency communications professionals. 

Each year, ECC professionals answer over 300,000 emergency calls for service, guiding callers through stressful moments, coordinating multi-agency responses, and providing critical information to responders in the field. Operating 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, they serve as the vital link between the community and the help they need. 

Reflecting on 95 years of service, the City extends its gratitude to the generations of call-takers and dispatchers who have answered the call, day and night, to serve the Queen City. 

 

More Information 

For additional ECC history, visit: 
https://www.cincinnati-oh.gov/ecc/about-ecc/history/