SHELBY, N.C.—Cleveland County, N.C., has officially opened its new 911 Communications & Emergency Operations Center—an 8,000‑square‑foot, purpose‑built facility that county leaders describe as a transformational investment in public safety, emergency coordination, and long‑term community resilience. The project brings together telecommunications, emergency management, and critical support services under one roof, replacing aging infrastructure and giving first responders a modern platform to manage both daily emergencies and large‑scale incidents.
The $7.8 million facility, located at 1333 Fallston Road in Shelby, represents years of planning and collaboration among county officials, public‑safety agencies, and design and construction partners. Architectural firm Moseley, construction contractor Hickory Construction, and technology integrators specializing in 911 and emergency‑operations systems all played central roles in delivering the project.
A Facility Built for the Future
The new center includes upgraded telecommunicator consoles, advanced call‑handling systems, a dedicated Emergency Operations Center, secure technology rooms, and flexible training and briefing spaces. These features allow the county to coordinate multi‑agency responses more efficiently, maintain continuity of operations during disasters, and scale up staffing during severe weather, major incidents, or regional emergencies.
Key features include:
Integrated 911 Dispatch Floor — Ergonomic workstations, redundant communications systems, and enhanced situational‑awareness tools.
Emergency Operations Center — A fully equipped coordination room for multi‑agency response, expanded during construction to meet growing needs.
Technology & Resiliency Upgrades — Hardened infrastructure, backup power, and secure data systems designed to keep operations running during crises.
Training & Collaboration Spaces — Rooms designed for exercises, briefings, and interagency planning.
How the Project Came Together
The county approved a $5.24 million construction contract in April 2024, later adding a change order to expand the Emergency Operations Center component. Additional funding included $1.954 million in federal DHS Community Project Funding, secured to support the county’s emergency‑management capabilities.
Moseley led the design of the facility, emphasizing durability, operational efficiency, and the ability to adapt to future technologies. Construction partners coordinated closely with county emergency‑management staff to ensure the building met stringent public‑safety standards.
Project Timeline
2022–2023: Planning, site selection, and preliminary design
April 2024: Construction contract approved by the Board of Commissioners
Mid–2024: Groundbreaking and start of construction
Late 2025: Facility build‑out, systems installation, and testing
Early 2026: Final inspections and operational transition
Spring 2026: Ribbon‑cutting and official dedication
