Our History
Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch was established by statutory authority in 1992, RSMO 190.325. We went online and began taking 9-1-1 calls and providing dispatching services January 1, 1993.
Chief Joe Wingbermuehle placed the first official 911 call to this agency. During his life, Chief Joe was instrumental in establishing the 9-1-1 service we have today. The Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch Center is dedicated in his honor as the “Chief Joseph Wingbermuehle Dispatch Center”.
Originally the center was staffed by a General Manager, 3 Administrative personnel, 4 Supervisors and 16 Dispatchers. We now have a Chief, Assistant Chief, Business Manager, and 6 additional administrative personnel. The Communications Division is now staffed with 4 Supervisors, 40 full-time Dispatchers, 7 part-time Dispatchers, and a Quality Assurance Manager.
In 1992, Jefferson County had a population of approximately 177,500. The estimated population in 2022 is over 227,000.
Today we cover 664 square miles and dispatch for 8 Law Enforcement agencies, 5 ambulance districts, 16 fire districts, Hazmat, Animal Control, and Emergency Management.
In addition, we provide 9-1-1 and radio technology for the Crystal City and Desoto municipalities.
On October 23, 2016, we opened a fully redundant back-up facility in Cedar Hill, in the event we are unable to operate out of our main center. It was dedicated as the "Edward L. Kemp 9-1-1 Emergency Communications Center." Ed Kemp was a charter board member and was instrumental in the implementation and growth of Jefferson County 9-1-1 Dispatch.
How Does 9-1-1 Work
When you dial 9-1-1 from a landline telephone, we receive your address, phone number and the name associated with the account. We also receive information showing us which police, fire and EMS agencies service that address.
When you call from a cell phone, we receive the phone number and approximate location in XY coordinates. This information is received directly from the cellular provider. It provides your approximate location, not your exact location. That is why it is extremely important to inform the Dispatcher of your exact location so we can send you the help you need as quickly as possible.
Jefferson County 9-1-1 also supports text to 9-1-1 technology for the hearing impaired, and situations where an individual is in extreme danger and is unable to speak.