Augusta, GA

Central EMS gives city of Augusta a 2023 recap

Published

2 years ago

January 3, 2024

Central EMS gives city of Augusta a 2023 recap

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – It’s been nine months since Central EMS took over emergency services in Augusta.

Since then, we have reported a few issues including slow service with high call volumes and issues tracking response times because of the cyber attack last May.

On the first commission meeting of 2024, the ambulance service gave commissioners their update.

Central EMS took over unexpectedly in April when Gold Cross pulled out early. It’s come with a few scrapes along the way, but Central EMS wants people to know they have more than enough resources.

“I think when we came to town, we stated what we would do, I think we’ve done what we stated,” said President Gary Coker.

More than 20 ambulances are at the ready, almost 200 personnel are on staff, a new headquarters is operating on Wrightsboro Road and new health programs are coming soon for Augustans.

Without pay, they also provided standby ambulance service to more than 40 local high school football games this season.

Commissioner Catherine Smith-McKnight said: “For helping out during the football season, making sure there were ambulances there at games. Hats off to you on that, thank y’all.”

It’s growth but not without its bruises.

Central EMS openly admitted to having a number of lawsuits against them since starting.

Ambulance response times are available only starting back this past September, saying it follows their contracted guidelines for when penalties would start, but also saying they took a hit when the cyber attack that happened last May.

911 Emergency Services Director Daniel Dunlap said: “We’re continuing to work with Central and the Fire Department on some of these response plans in order to use these resources effectively.”

Back in November, we found through an open records request a few internal investigations, including struggles with tracking and keeping down response times, and issues with a spinal cord procedure.

“I think you have a much better ambulance service here than you had last year at this time,” said Coker.

They’re out of the fog for now, but still in their first year of service.

Central EMS noted that while ambulance and medical bills seem high, the actual paid cost shouldn’t exceed past $1,500 to compensate for a lack of insurance.

News 12 did ask Coker about our previous coverage, but he gave no comment.

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Augusta, GA

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

Published

7 hours ago

March 1, 2026

Press Room

Protestors in downtown Augusta speak out after strikes on Iran

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – Local protestors made their voices heard after Israel and the U.S. announced strikes on Iran Saturday, ones that killed Iran’s supreme leader, Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, reports say.

Protesters lined 13th Street in Downtown Augusta and walked across the river to North Augusta to make sure as many people as possible heard them.

50501 CSRA already had a march planned for Saturday, but in light of the strikes on Iran, decided to expand its focus.

Local leaders spoke about their concerns for the strikes, and roughly 60 people showed up to share theirs as well.

One of the event organizers said to make your voice heard your voice heard.

“Just call your people, call your representatives, if you don’t like that Iran was bombed, I don’t either. But call people and let them know, email them. Let it be relentless. Congress did not approve this. They have a say in this,” Zee Cook said.

The strike is being called “Operation Epic Fury,” with Iran responding with multiple missile and drone strikes across the Middle East.

In a social media post, President Trump said the bombing of the country will continue “as long as necessary.”

People across the world began lining the streets as well in support and against the decision.

Leaders across the world reacted to the news, including those in Georgia and South Carolina.

There’s a protest planned in Charleston and other regional cities this week.

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Augusta, GA

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

Published

19 hours ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Lock and Dam Park closing to public for a month in Augusta

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The city of Augusta announced a temporary closure of New Savannah Bluff Lock and Dam Park.

Closure of the park at 2105 Lock and Dam Road will allow the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers to repair the lock and dam structure.

The park will be closed from March 4 to April 7.

All areas of the park will be closed.

However, the Baurle Boat Ramp will remain open and accessible to the public for fishing and boating activities.

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Augusta, GA

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

Published

1 day ago

February 28, 2026

Press Room

Augusta 911 call center earns statewide honor

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – The Augusta 911 center has been named 2025 Communications Center of the Year at the Georgia Emergency Communications Conference in Athens.

The award recognizes excellence in public safety communications, innovation, leadership and service.

The award recognizes a center that demonstrates strong performance in emergency response coordination, training, technology and community engagement.

The Augusta center was selected among agencies statewide for its consistent service, professional standards and coordination with public safety partners.

“This recognition reflects the work our team does every single day,” said Daniel R. Dunlap, 911 director. “Our communications officers are the first point of contact during some of the most difficult moments in a person’s life. They provide reassurance, direction and critical coordination until help arrives. I am incredibly proud of the dedication and strength they show.”

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