Rutherford County 911 Center handles more than 500 calls in 48 hours

Sheriff’s Office leads law enforcement responses; multiple fire departments report alarms and vehicle fires

The Rutherford County Emergency Communications Center in Forest City reported a busy two-day stretch, handling 501 emergency and administrative calls over the past 48 hours, according to a report obtained by WCAB News.

Dispatchers processed 73 calls for Emergency Medical Services (EMS) and rescue operations, ranging from medical emergencies to transportation for patients in distress.

Law enforcement responses made up the largest share of calls. The Rutherford County Sheriff’s Office handled 213 calls, while municipal police departments also stayed active: 72 calls for Forest City Police, 72 for Spindale Police, 43 for Rutherfordton Police, and 15 for Lake Lure Police. These calls typically include reports of suspicious activity, traffic stops, and assistance to citizens.

Fire departments across the county were dispatched to a mix of emergencies.

• Forest City Fire Department: fire alarms and motor vehicle accidents.

• Hudlow Fire Department: fire alarm.

• Lake Lure Fire Department: powerline fire.

• Rutherfordton Fire Department: vehicle fire and fire alarm.

• Sandy Mush Fire Department: vehicle fire, motor vehicle accident, and fire alarm.

• Spindale Fire Department: motor vehicle accident.

  
  

Officials say the high call volume highlights the daily demands placed on the 911 system, which coordinates first responders across Rutherford County’s towns and rural areas. With more than 500 calls in just two days, dispatchers serve as the front line in routing critical information to law enforcement, fire, and rescue crews.

The Rutherford County Emergency Communications Center, located at 153 Sparks Drive in Forest City, provides 24-hour dispatching for all emergency services countywide.