Skip to main content

Our Department

Cobb County DEC team members are the true behind-the-scenes heroes of their community. Working in a centrally located emergency communications center, Emergency Communications Officers (ECO) with Cobb County DEC serve nearly 800,000 citizens, seven law enforcement agencies, three fire departments, and the county animal services department. 

Cobb County DEC team members are the first point of contact for individuals facing emergencies. The primary responsibility of ECOs is to answer incoming emergency and non-emergency calls, ensure accurate information is gathered, and dispatch the appropriate services. ECOs handle a broad spectrum of calls throughout the day, from medical emergencies and fires to accidents and pursuits. Each ECO is trained in the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch Emergency Priority Dispatch System (EPDS), ensuring the relaying of accurate and timely information to emergency responders and a standard level of care for all callers. ECOs are also responsible for dispatching emergency responders, maintaining communications with units, and providing updated information as situations evolve. 

At Cobb County DEC, we equip our ECOs with the latest and most innovative technology in the public safety telecommunications industry. This includes emergency response software programs, gunshot detection technology, an updated Computer-Aided Dispatch (CAD) system, and a user-friendly Next Generation 911 phone system. With these tools, our ECOs can perform their daily job functions more efficiently and effectively, ensuring the safety and well-being of our community. 

Cobb County DEC prides itself on being a premier emergency communications center in the public safety telecommunications industry. Our exceptional team embraces its core values: open communication, innovation, pride, teamwork, diversity, integrity, service, and a positive work environment. Under the leadership of public safety professionals with decades of experience, our team is people-centered and dedicated to the well-being and development of their team. We offer a peer support team, wellness gym, serenity garden, and licensed clinician to support the health and wellness of our team members. Our robust training program provides over 1,000 hours of training for new employees and multiple continuing education opportunities throughout the year, demonstrating the organization's dedication to the success of all team members. Cobb County DEC offers various opportunities for advancement, including roles in supervision, community relations, professional standards, training, employment relations, and technical services, along with specialty assignments such as Communications Training Officer, Fire Communications Specialist, and Tactical Dispatcher. 

As an Emergency Communications Officer, you will be on the frontlines of the county's emergency response system, requiring quick thinking, exceptional communication skills, and the ability to remain calm under pressure. ECOs are the lifeline for those in crisis, reassuring the distressed and calming the angered. This role is perfect for those who thrive in high-pressure situations and are driven by the opportunity to make a real difference in their community.

Mission

The mission of the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications is to provide excellent and professional service to the citizens, visitors, and public safety responders of Cobb County. We fully understand the foundation of our profession is service, and we strive to provide this to our citizens at the most superior level possible. We will provide this service in a prompt, courteous, and professional manner, striving for efficiency. We recognize that our ultimate success in this mission is tied directly to the spirit of cooperation and teamwork between the public safety agencies, the Emergency Communications Center staff, and the residents and visitors of Cobb County.

Values

  • Integrity
  • Service
  • Pride
  • Teamwork
  • Open Communication
  • Innovation
  • Diversity
  • Positive Work Environment

Executive Director

Director Melissa Alterio

Director Melissa Alterio

Melissa currently serves as Executive Director for Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications (E911) which is the 3rd largest Center in Georgia. She has a BS in Psychology & and MS in Criminal Justice/Public Safety Leadership & over 33 years of experience in the 911 community. She is an Adjunct Instructor with APCO International, Vice President of the GA 911 Director’s Association, Board Member for Georgia APCO & has achieved the Registered Public Safety Leader (RPL) and Certified Public Safety Executive (CPE) designations. Melissa is a recognized 911 subject matter expert who has presented at various national dispatch conferences around the Country, speaking on a variety of leadership principles. Her passions are to be a mentor, coach, leader and positive role model to members of the 911 community: encouraging and training the next generation of 911 leaders. In her spare time, Melissa enjoys family gatherings, volunteer work and quality time with her dog.

Deputy Directors

Deputy Director Kevin Gardner | Technical Services

Deputy Director Gardner

o Deputy Director Kevin Gardner joined the Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications in 2016. Before joining 911, he spent over a decade in law enforcement working in multiple positions. Kevin recently obtained a Master’s in Public Safety Administration from Columbus State University and a Certificate of Local Government Management from The University of Georgia’s Carl Vinson Institute of Government.

This division is responsible for managing and maintaining the technology infrastructure essential for emergency response operations. This includes overseeing 800 MHz radio system, Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD), telephone communications systems, and other critical technologies to ensure seamless coordination between emergency personnel and effective response to incidents. This division often handles system upgrades, troubleshooting, and stays abreast of technological advancements to enhance overall emergency communication capabilities.

Deputy Director Shireka Graham | Professional Standards & Development

Deputy Director GardnerShireka Graham is a public safety communications professional with 19 years of experience, beginning her career as a telecommunicator in 2009. She has held various roles, including Director of Emergency Communications at the Georgia Tech Police Department, where she led her agency to become the first university communications center in Georgia to achieve CALEA accreditation. An active member of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (APCO), she also serves on its Agency Training Program Certification Committee. Outside of her professional life, Shireka enjoys spending time with her family and her Mini Goldendoodle.

This key leadership role oversees the two units within our Professional Standards & Development Division. The Professional Standards Unit manages public records, agency compliance, and accreditation. The Training & Quality Assurance Unit ensures that recruits and current employees receive exceptional training while upholding the highest quality service standards.

Deputy Director Tonya Poole | Operations

Deputy Director Tonya Poole

Tonya Poole has over 30 years’ experience in the public safety community. She began her career in Paulding County GA & joined Cobb County’s Department of Emergency Communications in 2001. Tonya recently completed the Professional Management Program at Columbus State University. This division handles the processing of emergency and non-emergency calls and dispatching the appropriate response. There are four primary shifts: two day shifts that work 0545 - 1800 and two evening shifts that work from 1745 - 0600. In addition to the Day and Evening shifts, we have two swing or ‘power shifts’ that come in during our busier hours from 11:45 - 2400. When fully staffed, the Operations Division will have more than 120 team members.

Each primary shift is led by an operations manager: Sandra Minnick (Day A), Steven Hahn (Day B), Cherie Rhodes (Evening A), and Amanda Raines (Evening B).

Units, Specialized Assignments, and Committees

Training & Quality Assurance Unit

The Training & Quality Assurance (QA) Unit is responsible for training new recruits and oversees current employees’ annual training, professional development, and quality assurance and is led by Training & QA Manager SaBrina Woodall.

Professional Standards Unit

The Professional Standards Unit is accountable for overseeing public records, agency compliance, and accreditation and led by Professional Standards Manager Marta Sorchik.

This unit is responsible for maintaining agency Commission on Accreditation for Law Enforcement Agencies (CALEA) accreditation and ensures policies are in compliance reflecting current operations as well as overseeing the Records Unit by ensuring records are released in compliance with state law.

Support Services Division
The Support Services Division is led by Support Services Manager Kathy Strickland. This division manages essential functions such as special projects planning, strategic planning, fleet management, community relations, and employee recognition. This division is dedicated to building positive community connections and helping shape the future of the DEC by leading the development of a five-year strategic plan.
Community Relations Unit
The Community Relations Unit was developed to support the DEC by educating the community about the world of emergency communications. This is done through community outreach, innovative recruitment, and our public education program. This unit serves as the coordinator for the Community, Outreach, Recruitment, and Education (CORE Team).
Employment Relations Unit
Cobb DEC applicants are subjected to a comprehensive hiring process managed by the Employment Relations Unit. This unit is responsible for all aspects of the hiring process such as filtering applications, administering pre-employment assessments, conducting background checks and interviews, as well as following up with new hires, completing stay interviews, and exit interviews.
Tactical Dispatch Team

The Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) Tactical Dispatch Team comprises a Team Commander, Deputy Team Commander, three Team Leaders, and twenty-three Tactical Dispatchers.

The Tactical Dispatch Team is always ready at a moment’s notice to respond to a SWAT Callout to maintain communications between Incident Command and the specialty teams on the scene. These highly trained dispatchers and supervisors are necessary to support Incident Command with accurate and timely documentation during high-risk operations. Having Tactical Dispatchers respond to the scene allows the 911 Center to resume normal operations.

The Tactical Dispatch Team routinely trains with police during SWAT and active shooter training. Additionally, each team member must attend at least ten hours of additional tactical dispatch training per year on top of the twenty-four hours required of all DEC employees.

Awards Committee
The Awards Committee aims to recognize outstanding performance by Cobb County Department of Emergency Communications employees. Meeting monthly, this committee reviews the award nominations made by fellow employees by reviewing calls and radio traffic. Support Services Manager Kathy Strickland leads the committee, comprising of an operations supervisor and an emergency communications officer from each shift.
Morale Committee
The Morale Committee is a select group of 911 professionals whose mission is to spread positivity, improve workplace culture, and boost morale in the Cobb County 911 Center. This is accomplished by doing small, thoughtful projects throughout the center, hosting events for employees, decorating during holidays and events, and having a positive attitude in the workplace.