Town and County Launch Consolidated Emergency Communications Center

Published on October 01, 2025

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
October 1, 2025

Town and County Launch Consolidated Emergency Communications Center

FARMVILLE, VA – Effective October 1, the new Farmville-Prince Edward Emergency Communication Center will begin dispatching all 911 calls for Fire, EMS and Law Enforcement for the Town of Farmville, Prince Edward County, Longwood University, and Hampden-Sydney College.  The new center reflects the shared commitment of the Board of Supervisors and the Town Council to enhancing public safety communications, coordination and response for the entire community.

Historically, all 911 calls in the County and Town were answered by the Farmville Emergency Communications Center (FECC).  The FECC would also dispatch all calls for service for the seven volunteer fire departments, two county EMS agencies, and the Farmville, Longwood and Hampden-Sydney Police Departments.  However, law enforcement calls out in the County were transferred to the Sheriff’s Office, which operated a separate dispatch center.  By eliminating the need to transfer County law enforcement calls, the new communications center will reduce call-handling time and accelerate emergency response.

“Our goal is seamless coordination.  Whether the call is for Fire, EMS, or Law Enforcement, dispatchers will be able to direct the right help quickly,” said Crystal Barton, Director of the Farmville-Prince Edward Emergency Communications Center. “The consolidation is a major step forward for our community’s emergency services.”

“The consolidated center means faster response times and improved service to our citizens,” said Prince Edward County Sheriff Tony Epps.  “By streamlining the way 911 calls are dispatched, we can reduce delays and get law enforcement officers where they are needed more quickly.”

The new Farmville-Prince Edward Emergency Communications Center will be jointly funded and governed by both Farmville and Prince Edward County, with financial contributions from Hampden-Sydney College and Longwood University.

“The pooling of resources through this partnership is allowing us to deliver a higher level of service while also being cost-effective,” said Farmville Town Manager, Scott Davis, LP.D. “This is a great example of local governments and institutions working together to benefit the entire community.”

“By bringing our operations together, we’re strengthening emergency response across the region,” said Douglas P. Stanley, County Administrator.  “This collaboration not only improves efficiency but also ensures our residents receive the best possible service when it matters most.”

In addition to the consolidation of the 911 Center, the County, Town, University and College have also funded a new $6.3 million public safety radio system, which is expected to be operational late next year.

“Effective, interoperable communication is critical during an emergency,” said Trey Pyle, County Emergency Management Coordinator. “With a unified dispatch center and our new public safety radio system, we can better coordinate response efforts and enhance safety for both first responders and the community.”

An Advisory Board has also been established with representation from the Town Police Department, Sheriff’s Office, Prince Edward Area Firefighters Association, County and Town Emergency Management, Longwood University, and Hampden-Sydney College to ensure broad collaboration and accountability.

“Ultimately, while each agency may wear a different badge, our community counts on a unified response,” said Crystal Barton. “It is our responsibility to deliver that.”

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PHOTO Identification:

Front Row (l to r):  Supervisor Odessa Pride, Ed.D., Mayor Brian Vincent, Town Manager Scott Davis, LP.D., ECC Director Crystal Barton, County Administrator Doug Stanley, Supervisor Pattie-Cooper Jones. 

Back Row (l to r):  Prospect Fire Chief/Fire Association President Al Mason, Farmville Fire Chief Daniel Clark, County Emergency Manager Trey Pyle, Vice Mayor Chuckie Reid, Police Chief Andy Ellington, Major David Wilmoth, Supervisor Llew Gilliam, Board Chair Bill Jenkins, Councilman John Hardy, Prospect Assistant Chief James Redford, and Sheriff Tony Epps.

Front Row: (l-r) Communications Supervisor Cody Hudgins, Communication Operator Leslie Cheatham, ECC Director Crystal Barton, Communications Operator Kim Yates, Communication Operator Michael Driskill.

Back Row:  County Emergency Manager Trey Pyle,  Supervisor Llew Gilliam, Sheriff Tony Epps, County Administrator Doug Stanley, Town Manager Scott Davis, Farmville Police Chief Andy Ellington, Sheriff’s Department Major David Wilmoth.

Media Contact:
Crystal Barton, Director
Farmville-Prince Edward Emergency Communications Center
TEL:  434-392-3332
E-mail:  cbarton@Farmvilleva.com