I-TEAM UPDATE: Augusta leaders stall silent alarm discussion

AUGUSTA, Ga. (WRDW/WAGT) – For more than a month now, our I-TEAM has tracked errors and response times with Augusta’s Fire Department and 911 call center.  

On Tuesday, we were hoping to hear from Augusta commissioners on the subject for the first time.  

But that will have to wait. 

FULL COVERAGE:

The topic was pulled from the agenda for Tuesday’s public safety committee meeting so they can talk about it in a legal meeting.  

Our I-TEAM uncovered nearly 150 cases where a dispatching error happened. 

One of those cases was in October 2023 when two people were killed in a house fire right across the street from a fire station.

Earlier this month, questions about the reliability of the Augusta Fire Department’s emergency response have caught the attention of Augusta Commission member Catherine Smith McKnight.

McKnight currently chairs Augusta Richmond County’s public safety committee.

McKnight said she was unaware of any problems and the issue was never brought up in the committee or in commission.

However, McKnight says she now wants answers and says this safety concern is a priority.

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