HERTFORD — Officials from Perquimans and Gates counties recently gathered to officially open the new Perquimans-Gates 911 Center, marking the completion of a consolidation and expansion project years in the making.
The Perquimans-Gates 911 Center was formed in March 2024 through the consolidation of the two counties’ emergency communications operations, a move that doubled the size of the 911 staff.
The expansion significantly increased the center’s capacity. The new Communications Center floor spans approximately 2,000 square feet, up from around 500 square feet previously. The space houses five dispatch positions for Perquimans-Gates, with room for future expansion, as well as space for three backup positions for Chowan County. The facility also includes a data room, a small conference and training room, two administrative offices, a staff kitchen, and two restrooms.
Oakley Collier Architects served as the project architect, with AR Chesson serving as Construction Manager at Risk.
The project was funded through an NC 911 Grant totaling $4,831,481, of which approximately $4.55 million went toward construction. The remaining funds covered office and kitchen furniture, building access control systems, and equipment replacement. The NC 911 Board also awarded additional funding to replace radio equipment at the center.
The ceremony lasted about 25 minutes and featured brief remarks from Perquimans County Manager Brandon Shoaf, Perquimans County Vice Chair of the Board of Commissioners Charles Woodard, Gates County Manager Scott Sauer, Gates County Chair of the Board of Commissioners Emily Truman, NC 911 Board Executive Director Pokey Harris, and Emergency Services Director Jonathan Nixon.
Due to the center being fully operational, attendance was limited to elected officials, county managers, leadership from public safety partners, and the vendors who helped complete the project on a tight timeline.
Nixon reflected on the significance of the occasion in his remarks to the group.
“Today is much more than the dedication of a building. It represents a shared vision, months of planning, and an unwavering commitment to providing the highest level of emergency communications to the citizens and visitors we serve,” Nixon said.
He thanked the Boards of Commissioners from both counties for their collaboration in bringing the consolidation to fruition.
“Your willingness to work together and your commitment to seeing this consolidation plan through from beginning to end made today possible. Your leadership demonstrates what can be accomplished when we put service above boundaries,” Nixon said.
Nixon also recognized the North Carolina 911 Board for its role in supporting the project.
“I also want to thank the North Carolina 911 Board for its continued partnership and investment in public safety across our state. Your support has been instrumental in helping us build a communications center that is equipped to meet today’s needs while preparing us for tomorrow’s challenges,” he said.
Nixon emphasized that the new facility was built with the center’s telecommunicators in mind.
“Most importantly, this facility is for our telecommunicators—the dedicated professionals who answer every call for help, no matter the hour or circumstance. This new communications center provides them with a modern, resilient workplace where they can continue serving our communities for many years to come,” Nixon said. “May this always be a place of professionalism, teamwork, compassion, and excellence. May every call answered here bring help, hope, and reassurance to those in need.”
Thanks go to Julie M. Solesbee, Assistant Director, Perquimans County Emergency Services,, for the information needed for this story.
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