Alex McKnight Named Director of Public Safety Communications

After serving as Interim for the past four months, Alex McKnight will officially take on the role of Director of Public Safety Communications on September 21. McKnight began his career in Buncombe County Public Safety Communications as a telecommunicator and field training communicator. He then served as Business Manager for Emergency Services before transitioning into the same role at Public Safety Communications. Here he was involved in the operational, financial, and strategic management of the department. He was appointed Interim Director in May of this year.

Throughout his time in the interim role, McKnight worked to rebuild strong foundations in the department’s staffing, training, accountability, communication, relationships, and consistent expectations. “We’ve also worked to strengthen relationships with our public safety partners, improve 911 call-answer performance, increase employee involvement in department decisions, and make sure our frontline staff have a greater voice in where the department is headed,” said McKnight. “I want to continue that work.”

Equally, McKnight is looking toward the future to shape what the department can become. As Director, he plans to expand his focus to include responsible use of artificial intelligence and technology, greater integration with public safety partners, better data analytics, additional community outreach, clinical and behavioral health alternatives for callers where appropriate, stronger continuity and backup capability, and even 911 special operations like tactical dispatching and urban search and rescue or swift water rescue communications.

“I want us to continue looking beyond the traditional model of 911,” said McKnight. “At the same time, none of those initiatives matter if we don't first take care of our people and maintain strong core operations.”

And the people – both in the department and in the community – are central to all that McKnight has done and plans to do.

“The work of 911 is ultimately about people,” said McKnight. “Our telecommunicators are often the first point of contact during someone’s worst day, and they carry an enormous responsibility that most people never see. My job is to make sure they have the leadership, resources, support, and organizational structure they need to succeed.”

Legal Disclaimer:

EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.