Union County, North Carolina, needed a major upgrade to its emergency communications capabilities. The county’s 911 center was housed in the cramped basement of a government building, with poor lighting, outdated technology, and operational inefficiencies due to its separation from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Recognizing the growing demand on emergency services, county leaders decided to build a new, purpose-built facility that would meet their current and future needs. Mission Critical Partners (MCP) was brought in early to help secure funding and provide expert guidance throughout the planning, design, construction, and technology implementation process. MCP served as a trusted partner to the county, ensuring the new facility supported seamless operations, improved situational awareness, and created a more functional and comfortable workspace for emergency personnel. The result was a state-of-the-art, co-located 911 and EOC facility that has transformed how Union County delivers emergency services.

Modernizing Emergency Communications in Union County, NC

Union County’s 911 center was located in the basement of a downtown government building with little space, poor lighting, aging technology, and operational inefficiencies due to separation from the Emergency Operations Center (EOC). Its proximity to a freight rail line also posed safety risks. With over 200,000 calls annually and growing demand, the environment no longer met the needs of public safety personnel or the community they serve.

How MCP Got Involved
The county hired an architect to design a new purpose-built facility and brought in Mission Critical Partners to ensure operational needs were prioritized throughout the process. MCP became the county’s advocate, guiding strategic decisions and offering technical expertise from planning to implementation.

Key Actions:

Assisted in writing a grant application to secure project funding
Participated in weekly planning meetings with the architect and contractors
Advised on optimal facility layout and operational workflows

Modern Facility Design and Technology Integration Deliver Results for Union County

MCP provided end-to-end support, helping Union County procure and integrate advanced technologies, including a statewide NG911 solution and upgraded land mobile radio systems. The team developed RFPs, evaluated vendor proposals, and ensured the technology aligned with long-term goals. MCP also helped implement large video walls and ergonomic workstations to boost performance and morale.

The Solution and Results
The new facility—completed in 2022—features co-located 911 and EOC centers, redundant systems for continuity of operations, and expanded workstations. Staff now benefit from a professional, comfortable environment that enhances efficiency, communication, and retention.

Key Outcomes:

NG911 and advanced radio systems enhance operational readiness
Staff morale and retention improved due to upgraded work environment
Situational awareness increased through shared video wall capabilities

MCP Supports Union County’s 911 Facility Upgrade

MCP Helps North Carolina County Expand and Modernize Its 911 and Emergency Services Operations

Challenge

Solution

Results

Modernizing Emergency Communications in Union County, NC

Modern Facility Design and Technology Integration Deliver Results for Union County

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