New emergency communications center in Papillion will support dispatchers and first responders across Sarpy County

Papillion, Nebraska – A long-awaited upgrade to Sarpy County’s emergency communications system is now underway, promising improved working conditions for dispatchers and stronger support for first responders across the region. County officials recently marked the start of a major renovation project that will relocate the Sarpy County 911 center to a newly redesigned facility in Papillion.

New facility designed for growing needs

The project officially began Friday, Jan. 30, with a wall-breaking ceremony signaling the start of demolition and construction work. The renovated center will be located in a building on the county’s main campus, part of an effort to better serve dispatchers, public safety agencies, and residents.

“Our 911 dispatchers are the bridge between the people who live in Sarpy County and our dedicated first responders,” Sarpy County Commissioner David Klug said. “This project meets the county’s long-term needs and supports our dispatchers in carrying out life-changing responsibilities.”

Sarpy County dispatchers play a critical role in coordinating emergency response services. The center handles dispatching for law enforcement, fire departments, and emergency medical services for the cities of Bellevue, Gretna, La Vista, Papillion, and Springfield, along with unincorporated areas of the county. On average, dispatchers receive more than 5,000 emergency 911 calls and over 8,700 non-emergency calls each month, reflecting the heavy demand placed on the system.

To support future growth, the county expanded its footprint last year by purchasing a neighboring building at 1200 Golden Gate Drive, previously occupied by Pinnacle Bank. That structure will be transformed into a modern communications center tailored to evolving public safety needs.

The county partnered with Clark & Enersen to design the new facility and selected Beckenhauer Construction as the construction manager responsible for bringing the project to life.

Improved workspace and training capacity

Officials say the upgraded center will provide a modern work environment, expanded operational space, and dedicated areas for training. The design is intended to accommodate both current staffing needs and future expansion, ensuring dispatchers have the tools and space required to perform their duties effectively.

“Our public safety services are second to none, and we’re looking forward to seeing this building transform into a modern 911 center that serves the needs of our growing community and our dispatchers,” Commissioner Jim Warren said.

Since 1995, dispatchers have operated out of a basement space inside the county administration building. Once the new facility is completed — expected in early 2027 — the existing center will transition into a secondary backup location to ensure continuity during emergencies.

Bill Muldoon, Sarpy County’s Emergency Communications Director, emphasized the importance of the investment.

“The updated building will match the professionalism we see from our dispatchers every day. The board recognized the renovation as a critical investment in public safety, and we’re grateful for that support,” Muldoon said. “We can’t wait for moving day.”

With construction now underway, county leaders say the project represents a vital step forward in strengthening emergency response operations while supporting the dispatchers who serve as the first link in the chain of public safety.