The latest news for you from SREC911: October 2025

October 2025

Beyond 911: The Technology Powering Spokane County's Emergency Communications

When most people think of 911, they picture call takers and dispatchers—connecting those in need with first responders. But behind every 911 call is a powerful technology network that keeps emergency communications running across Spokane County.

SREC manages the countywide radio system that links dispatchers, police, fire, and EMS. This system includes 23 radio towers and more than 5,000 radios in first responder vehicles—forming the backbone that allows agencies to communicate quickly and reliably during emergencies.

To maintain this critical infrastructure, SREC is planning a microwave radio system upgrade in 2027–2028, replacing aging components and expanding capacity for future needs. The $8 million project will be funded through the dedicated 1/10th of 1% Emergency Communications sales tax—just one cent for every $10 spent—ensuring responsible stewardship of taxpayer dollars.

This proactive investment helps ensure Spokane County remains connected, coordinated, and ready when emergencies happen.

👉 Read the full fact sheet about SREC’s Microwave Upgrade here.

Calm Voices in Chaos

When you call 911, it may be one of the most frightening or stressful moments of your life. On the other end of the line, our SREC 911 communications officers are trained to remain calm—no matter the chaos. That calm tone doesn’t mean we don’t feel your urgency. It means we’re focused on getting you the help you need as quickly as possible.

Our dispatchers are trained to ask specific, critical questions designed to gather the most important details for first responders. Each question has a purpose—to send the right help, to the right place, at the right time.

We hear your fear, your sadness, and your pain—but we stay composed so you can depend on us when seconds matter. Help us help you by answering the questions we ask.

👉 Learn more about the questions we ask and see a diagram of our process.

Stay Connected. Keep Informed: SREC Board Meetings Open to the Public

Did you know you can watch SREC Board of Directors meetings right from home? Each meeting is open to the public and provides a transparent look at how Spokane Regional Emergency Communications operates and invests in public safety technology.

If you can’t attend in person, recordings of every meeting are available on YouTube, making it easy to stay informed about decisions that shape our region’s 911 and emergency communications systems.

👉 Watch SREC Board meetings on YouTube.

Building the Future of Emergency Communications

Existing facility in Spokane Valley being upgraded to meet modernized standards

SREC is preparing for the future with plans for a new regional emergency communications facility designed to meet our community’s needs for the next 30+ years. Expected move in is Fall 2026.

Our current building—owned by the City of Spokane—was never designed to modern survivability standards and cannot be expanded to meet future demands. The new facility will bring all SREC teams under one roof, improving efficiency, collaboration, and response.

Located in the Spokane Valley, the existing facility is being upgraded to withstand disasters and maintain operations with redundant power, secure infrastructure, and hardened safety features. It will include modernized technology, dedicated training spaces, and room for growth to support Spokane County’s expanding population and emergency needs.

This investment ensures SREC can continue delivering the reliable, life-saving services our region depends on—stronger, safer, and ready for the next generation.