911 Emergency Communications Center

  • The Tompkins County 9-1-1 Center is the designated 9-1-1 public safety answering point (PSAP) in Tompkins County. Our staff includes Emergency Services Dispatchers, Dispatch Supervisors, an Assistant Communications Center Manager (who oversees Quality Assurance and Training), and an Assistant Director - 911.
  • Tompkins County adopted 9-1-1 in 1997.
  • Each year, Tompkins County 9-1-1 receives over 30,000 9-1-1 calls, over 110,000 non-emergency calls, and handles approximately 65,000 police incidents and 24,000 fire and rescue/EMS incidents.
  • Tompkins County 9-1-1 is a National Center for Missing and Exploited Children (NCMEC) 9-1-1 Call Center Partner.
  • In 2015, Tompkins County 9-1-1 became the first PSAP in New York to have it’s training program certified by the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO).

Emergency Services Dispatchers

View "A Day in the Life" of Tompkins County Emergency Services Dispatchers (ESD's)

Want to become an ESD?
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Qualifications:

  • High School Diploma or GED.
  • Ability to pass Civil Service written examination**.
  • Abiltiy to pass typing test.
  • Ability to pass a medical physical and hearing and drug tests.
  • Ability to pass background investigation and psychological exam.

Benefits:

  • Rates
    • $61,713-$64,958/year (2024 rates),
    • $63,564-$66,913/year (2025 rates),
    • $65,478-$68,931/year (2026 rates),
    • $67,433-$70,990/year (2027 rates),
    • lower rate=hire rate, higher rate=work rate (after 9 months).
  • Health, Vision, and Dental Insurances available.
  • New York State Retirement.
  • New York State Deferred Compensation Plan available.
  • Excused Paid Leave.

The Civil Service written examination is offered in Tompkins County every 1-2 years, depending on need.

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