Cherokee County First Responders Meet Rising Demand

As Call Volume and Community Growth Increase

Cherokee County-Cherokee County’s first responders are facing unprecedented demand as new data from the Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency shows a sharp rise in emergency calls over the past two years, reflecting continued population growth, increased development, and higher traffic volume throughout the county.

In 2025, Cherokee County 9-1-1 dispatched 40,375 calls for service, up from 27,551 calls in 2023. That increase of 12,824 calls represents nearly a 47 percent rise in overall call volume in just two years. Officials say the growth is a clear indicator of a county that is expanding economically and residentially — and one that increasingly relies on public safety services.

“As more people live, work, and travel in Cherokee County, the demand for emergency services naturally increases,” officials noted. “Behind every one of these calls is a trained professional who answered without hesitation to protect life, property, and public safety.”

Most Common 9-1-1 Calls in 2025

The data highlights the wide range of incidents handled daily by Cherokee County 9-1-1 dispatchers and first responders. The most common calls during 2025 included:

• Traffic Stops: 9,612

• Vehicle Accidents: 2,260

• Sick Person Calls: 1,232

• Incident / Offense Reports: 1,090

• Call Complainant Requests: 1,038

• Reckless Driver Reports: 966

• Breathing Problems: 925

• 9-1-1 Hang-Ups: 901

These calls range from routine traffic enforcement and public safety complaints to critical, time-sensitive medical emergencies requiring immediate response.

Law Enforcement Response Totals

Cherokee County’s law enforcement agencies collectively handled tens of thousands of calls in 2025:

• Cherokee County Sheriff’s Office: 11,379 calls

• Centre Police Department: 7,072 calls

• Cedar Bluff Police Department: 3,148 calls

• Leesburg Police Department: 1,932 calls

• Alabama Law Enforcement Agency (ALEA): 652 calls

Officers responded to a broad spectrum of incidents, including traffic accidents, domestic situations, violent crimes, and mental health-related calls, often under unpredictable and potentially dangerous conditions.

Despite increasing workloads and heightened public scrutiny nationwide, Cherokee County deputies and municipal officers continue to serve with professionalism, restraint, and dedication, maintaining public safety while working to build trust within the communities they protect.

Fire Departments: A Cornerstone of Emergency Response

Cherokee County is served by 13 fire departments, all of which play a vital role not only in fire suppression but in modern emergency medical response. Fire department call totals for 2025 include:

• Centre Fire Department: 977 calls

• Gaylesville Fire Department: 486 calls

• Cedar Bluff Fire Department: 463 calls

• Leesburg Fire Department: 411 calls

• Spring Creek Fire Department: 387 calls

• Sand Rock Fire Department: 274 calls

• McCord’s Fire Department: 273 calls

• Broomtown Fire Department: 270 calls

• Spring Garden Fire Department: 250 calls

• Tucker’s Chapel Fire Department: 216 calls

• Ellisville Fire Department: 212 calls

• Mt. Weisner Fire Department: 147 calls

• Cloudland Fire Department: 10 calls (primarily dispatched by Chattooga County, Georgia)

Fire departments routinely respond alongside emergency medical services to life-threatening and potentially life-threatening incidents, including cardiac events, breathing problems, serious trauma, and motor vehicle accidents. Fire units also respond whenever EMS requests assistance, providing additional manpower, scene safety, and rapid intervention.

Officials say this coordinated approach significantly reduces response times, improves patient outcomes, and enhances safety for both patients and responders.

Emergency Medical Services Under Strain

Emergency medical services in Cherokee County — and across the nation — continue to face rising demand and mounting system strain. In 2025, Atrium-Floyd EMS responded to 6,816 calls, many involving high-acuity patients requiring immediate and advanced medical care.

Additional EMS and rescue responses included:

• Cherokee County Rescue Squad: 240 calls

• Piedmont EMS: 224 calls

• Medical Helicopter Requests: 20 calls

EMS providers routinely work extended hours, manage multiple critical incidents at the same time, and adapt to longer hospital turnaround times and workforce shortages. Officials say the growing complexity of medical emergencies further challenges the system, making strong partnerships between EMS, fire departments, and dispatch essential to sustaining effective emergency care.

Emergency Management and Support Services

Support agencies also played a key role in 2025:

• Cherokee County Emergency Management Agency: 230 calls

• Cherokee County Coroner’s Office: 100 calls

Every response begins with the skilled professionals at Cherokee County 9-1-1, whose calm voices, quick decision-making, and precise coordination ensure the right resources are dispatched as quickly and efficiently as possible.

A Unified Commitment to Public Safety

Cherokee County EMA Director Shawn Rogers emphasized that the numbers represent more than statistics.

“These numbers represent long hours, difficult decisions, and professionals who put the safety of others first,” Rogers said. “Our fire departments, law enforcement officers, EMS providers, dispatchers, and emergency management staff work together every day to meet growing demands and keep our communities safe.”

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Looking Ahead

As Cherokee County continues to grow, the Emergency Management Agency remains committed to supporting all public safety partners and ensuring the community remains prepared for future challenges.

Officials encourage residents to recognize the dedication and sacrifice of first responders and to use 9-1-1 responsibly so emergency resources remain available for true emergencies.

https://weisradio.com/2025/09/30/cherokee-county-ema-and-911-host-public-safety-day-in-centre/