Teams & Programs

Beyond the Console

The Division of Emergency Communications is much more than a voice behind the headset.

Every day, our emergency communications professionals serve as the critical link between the public and first responders, providing calm, compassionate, and professional assistance during life’s most challenging moments. Beyond answering 911 calls and dispatching emergency resources, many of our team members take on specialized assignments that strengthen our department’s capabilities and enhance the safety of the communities we serve.

These specialized teams require additional training, certifications, and ongoing professional development to support complex emergency operations, major public events, disaster response, responder wellness, emerging technologies, and public safety initiatives. Whether deploying the Mobile Command Unit, providing peer support, operating unmanned aircraft systems, or leading other specialized programs, our communications professionals continue to expand their knowledge and expertise well beyond the communications console.

Through these specialized teams, the Division of Emergency Communications remains committed to innovation, operational excellence, and delivering the highest level of service—both inside the communications center and throughout Sussex County whenever and wherever we are needed.

Sussex County Emergency Mobile Command Post

The Mobile Command Team is a specialized group of emergency communications professionals responsible for deploying, operating, and supporting the Sussex County Mobile Command Unit (MCU). Through advanced training and hands-on experience, team members provide mobile emergency communications, incident coordination, and command support during large-scale emergencies, planned events, and disasters.

The Mobile Command Unit serves as a fully functional extension of the Sussex County Emergency Communications Center, allowing public safety leaders to establish a command post anywhere in the county. Designed for rapid deployment, the MCU can be operational in less than 15 minutes and provides emergency communications, dispatch capabilities, and incident management support wherever it is needed.

Drone Team

The Drone Team provides aerial support to enhance situational awareness, improve incident management, and assist first responders during emergencies, planned events, and public safety operations. Using advanced unmanned aircraft systems (UAS), team members deliver real-time aerial imagery and intelligence to support informed decision-making while improving the safety and effectiveness of emergency response.

Team members are FAA Part 107 Remote Pilot Certified and receive specialized training in the safe and effective operation of public safety drones. The Division currently operates multiple unmanned aircraft systems, with additional advanced technology continuing to expand the program’s capabilities.

Capabilities
  • Aerial incident assessment
  • Search and rescue support
  • Disaster damage assessment
  • Planned event monitoring
  • Situational awareness for incident commanders
  • Real-time video and imagery
  • Public safety and emergency management support

Peer Support

The Peer Support Team is dedicated to promoting the health and well-being of Sussex County’s public safety professionals. Comprised of specially trained emergency communications personnel, team members provide confidential peer support, emotional assistance, and guidance following critical incidents and other challenging events encountered in the line of duty.

Recognizing that emergency responders are routinely exposed to traumatic situations, the Peer Support Team serves as a trusted resource for employees by fostering resilience, encouraging healthy coping strategies, and helping connect individuals with additional support services when needed. Through critical incident stress debriefings, one-on-one peer support, and ongoing wellness initiatives, the team helps ensure that those who care for our community receive the support they deserve.

Services
  • Critical Incident Stress Debriefings (CISD)
  • One-on-one peer support
  • Emotional wellness and resilience resources
  • Referrals to additional support services
  • Employee wellness initiatives
  • Support following traumatic or high-stress incidents

Honor Guard

The Emergency Communications Honor Guard, alongside the Sussex County Paramedic Honor Guard, proudly represents the Department of Public Safety at ceremonies, memorial services, funerals, graduations, community events, and other occasions of honor and remembrance. The Honor Guard reflects the professionalism, tradition, and commitment of the men and women who serve our community.

Honor Guard members volunteer their time and complete specialized training in ceremonial protocols, drill movements, flag etiquette, and funeral honors. Through their service, they pay tribute to those who have served before them, honor fallen public safety professionals, and represent the department with dignity, pride, and respect.