March 2026

Building a More Resilient Future for Regional 911 Services
New Spokane Valley 911 Center taking shape...

Construction is underway on the Spokane Regional Emergency Communications (SREC) facility project, a major investment designed to ensure reliable 911 and emergency communications service for our region for decades to come.

The previous facility was not originally designed to meet the modern standards required for a critical public safety communications center and had limited ability to support the redundancies and infrastructure needed to keep 911 services running during disasters. Additionally, it was unable to be expanded to meet future growth, and we were quite frankly out of space. The surrounding area also presented several risks, including proximity to a dam, rail lines, freeway hazardous materials traffic, and nearby airspace.

The new facility, an existing building located in Spokane Valley, is being designed specifically for resiliency and reliability, with systems that help ensure emergency communications remain operational during major incidents or infrastructure disruptions. Planned features include a generator with on-site fuel, battery backup systems, redundant heating and cooling systems, multiple fiber pathways with dual internet providers, and construction standards that exceed seismic, wind, and snow-load building codes. The building will also be located outside the 500-year floodplain.

“In our line of work, reliability isn’t optional,” said Executive Director Lori Markham. “This new facility ensures that when our community calls for help, during storms, disasters, or everyday emergencies, the systems and people behind that call have the resilient infrastructure they need to keep serving the region.”

In addition to strengthening infrastructure, the new facility will improve day-to-day operations. The project includes an updated E911 phone system, a resilient Motorola radio system, a redesigned dispatch floor that improves supervision and teamwork, and dedicated training and quality assurance spaces. The new facility will also bring currently separated teams together under one roof with the addition of a radio shop on site and is designed to support the region’s needs for the next 30 years or more.

The total project cost is $35 million, including the purchase of the existing building. The Board has approved a Guaranteed Maximum Price (GMP) construction contract, which sets a firm ceiling on construction costs and protects the agency from cost overruns beyond the agreed amount.

Construction began in late 2025, with major structural updates occurring throughout 2026. The project is expected to be completed in early 2027, when SREC will transition operations into the new facility.

This project represents a long-term investment in the safety and resilience of our region’s emergency communications system — ensuring that when residents call for help, the systems behind that call are ready to respond.

Learn more about the project.

Ready for the Unexpected: When Training Meets a Rare Moment

Every 911 call is different. Some are routine. Some are urgent. Occasionally, a call becomes truly unforgettable.

Recently, one of our Communications Officers answered a call from a man who believed his wife was in labor. In the background, the mother could be heard crying out, making it clear their baby was not planning to wait for the hospital.

The Communications Officer calmly reassured the caller while preparing to provide emergency childbirth instructions. Just minutes later, the baby was delivered, but with an unexpected twist. The newborn was still completely inside the amniotic sac.

This rare type of delivery, known as an “en caul” birth, occurs in roughly 1 in 80,000 births.

Recognizing what had happened, the Communications Officer quickly and calmly gave clear instructions on how to safely open the sac so the baby could breathe. Following those instructions, the caller was able to assist the newborn until responders arrived on scene.

Mom and baby both received the help they needed during a critical moment. We later learned the newborn was a baby boy.

Training for the rare and the routine

Calls like this highlight the importance of the training our Communications Officers receive through Emergency Medical Dispatch (EMD). EMD training prepares call takers to quickly assess medical emergencies, provide lifesaving instructions over the phone, and guide callers step by step until responders arrive.

While calls involving childbirth are uncommon, they are one of many situations our team must be prepared for at any moment. Other rare but critical calls can include:

• Helping someone experiencing severe allergic reactions
• Providing instructions during choking emergencies
• Assisting callers through CPR for cardiac arrest
• Guiding someone through bleeding control or trauma care
• Helping people manage overdose situations
• Supporting callers during unusual or complex medical emergencies

No matter the situation, Communications Officers rely on training, protocols, and experience to remain calm and provide clear guidance during moments that can feel overwhelming for callers.

A commitment to excellence

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications is proud to be an ACE (Accredited Center of Excellence) Accredited Center through the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch. This recognition reflects our agency’s commitment to maintaining the highest standards in emergency medical dispatch.

ACE accreditation means our center meets rigorous requirements for training, quality assurance, ongoing review of calls, and adherence to internationally recognized emergency dispatch protocols. These standards ensure our Communications Officers are consistently prepared to deliver lifesaving instructions and support to the community.

When every second counts

Situations like this rare en caul birth remind us that behind every call is a real person experiencing one of the most important moments of their life.

Whether it is guiding a family through an unexpected birth or helping someone start CPR, our Communications Officers are trained to be ready for the unexpected. When seconds matter, calm guidance over the phone can make all the difference.

SREC Board Welcomes New Leadership

Spokane Regional Emergency Communications is pleased to welcome Spokane Valley Fire Chief Frank Soto, Jr. as the new Chair of the SREC Board of Directors and Spokane Valley Police Chief Dave Ellis as Vice Chair.

Chief Soto brings nearly three decades of fire service experience to the role. He began his career in 1996 with the Albuquerque Fire Department, where he served in a wide range of specialties including hazardous materials, technical rescue, paramedicine, and wildland operations, as well as leadership and instructional roles. In 2018, he joined the Rural Metro Fire Department in Tucson, Arizona as Assistant Chief of Operations and Administration before coming to the Spokane region. Chief Soto holds a Master of Public Administration and has completed extensive executive leadership training through the National Fire Academy, the Naval Postgraduate School, and Texas A&M University’s Fire Service Chief Executive Officer Program. He is also designated as both a Chief Fire Officer and Chief EMS Officer through the Center for Public Safety Excellence.

Chief Ellis has served in law enforcement since 1998, beginning his career with the Post Falls Police Department where he worked as a Patrol Officer, Field Training Officer, and SWAT team member. In 2002, he joined the Spokane County Sheriff’s Office and has served in numerous leadership roles including Patrol Deputy, Detective, Sergeant, Chief Criminal Deputy, and Undersheriff before becoming Spokane Valley Police Chief. Throughout his career he has received several commendations including the Life Saving Medal, Unit Merit Award, and the Sheriff’s Star Award. Chief Ellis is also Vice President of the Airborne Public Safety Association and a graduate of the FBI National Academy.

SREC would also like to extend sincere thanks to outgoing Board Chair Chief Cody Rohrbach of Spokane County Fire District 3 and Vice Chair Chief Brad Richmond of the Airway Heights Police Department for their leadership and service. Both leaders served three terms and helped guide the agency through an important transition period, including negotiations surrounding the City of Spokane’s decision to establish its own Public Safety Answering Point.

When Spokane County Commissioners formed SREC as a Public Development Authority, it was intentional that the board be made up primarily of active public safety leaders. The goal was to ensure that those who understand emergency response firsthand help guide the region’s emergency communications system. This structure helps keep the focus on operational needs and community safety by allowing subject matter experts to guide decisions.



With experienced first responders continuing to lead the board, SREC remains committed to providing reliable, effective emergency communications for the region.

View SREC's full Board of Directors.