The Watertown Regional 911 Center is a fully functional state-of-the art E911 Center. It is operated 24 hours a day by a staff of thirteen full-time dispatchers and one manager. It is the third largest 911 Center in South Dakota, covering six counties and over 62,000 residents. 

In 2021, the center received a total of 67,814 calls. Of these, 13,789 were emergency 911 calls.  The center also initiated 47,764 Calls for Service in 2021. 

The Watertown Regional 9-1-1 Center serves all residents of the City of Watertown, and the counties of Codington, Hamlin, Grant, Deuel, Day and Clark with complete emergency and non-emergency dispatching services. These services include Fire, Medical, Law Enforcement, Animal Control, Severe Storm Warnings, Utilities, Public Works and General Information services.

The  9-1-1 Center staff is highly trained in Emergency Medical Dispatching (EMD) and Emergency Fire Dispatching (EFD) through the International Academy of Emergency Medical Dispatch.  They receive on-going training throughout the year to remain proficient in those skills. This timely and critical information from Communications Officers routinely results in the saving of both lives and property. 



The center utilizes "state of the art" radio communications and computer technology including digital mapping software to quickly and accurately locate callers and dispatch the appropriate assistance as quickly as possible. Technology being employed by the center will also locate wireless or cell phone callers. Communications links are maintained with South Dakota State Radio, the National Weather Service, Area Emergency Responders and the Office of Emergency Management. The 9-1-1 Center staff receives approximately 10 weeks of in-house training before going to the Law Enforcement Training Academy in Pierre to become a state certified communications officer. 

A joint board consisting of representatives of the Watertown Police Department, Codington County Sheriff's Department, Watertown Fire Department, Codington County Commission and the Watertown City Council oversee the center's activities. Daily operational and budgetary control of the center falls under the responsibility of the 911 Manager.

The 9-1-1 Center staff is available to present seminars and educational talks to the public on E911 services including why and when to call 911 and what to expect when you do. Arrangements can be made by calling the 911 Center at (605) 882-6210 and asking to speak with a supervisor or the Communications Manager.

The Joint City-County Board members are:

• Chief Tim Toomey- Watertown Police Department
• Chief Don Rowland - Watertown Fire Department
• Brad Howell - Codington County Sheriff
• Brenda Hanten - Codington County Commission
• Randy Tupper - Watertown City Council

Dennis Warrick Lead Comm. Officer	LeeAnn Benthin Lead Comm. Officer	Angie Schaefer Lead Comm. Officer