ETCOG Adds Cherokee County to 911 Addressing Program

East Texas Council of Governments • January 3, 2024
A woman wearing a headset is looking at a map on a screen.

The East Texas Council of Governments (ETCOG) is now assigning and maintaining addresses within Cherokee County, which will enhance emergency response capabilities for the region.


This expansion improves address location accuracy using advanced technologies and geospatial data. Assigning accurate 911 addresses ensures quicker and more precise emergency responses. ETCOG's commitment to public safety is evident, with the successful track record of the program in other Piney Woods counties.


Emergency responders in Cherokee County will now benefit from standardizing a more dependable system for identifying locations, particularly crucial in rural and wooded areas. This strategic move aligns with ETCOG's mission to elevate overall emergency preparedness and response capabilities.


Residents and authorities can utilize the upgraded 9-1-1 addressing system for a more efficient emergency response network. The expansion reflects ETCOG's proactive approach, employing technology to enhance public safety services and contribute to the well-being of Cherokee County residents.


As ETCOG adapts to regional needs, extending the 9-1-1 addressing program exemplifies a forward-thinking strategy, making strides towards safer communities and a more resilient emergency response infrastructure.


How to Request or Verify a 911 Address:

ETCOG to Host NIMs 300/400 Class Now Required Under HB 33

By ETCOG Public Safety • July 27, 2026
ETCOG is hosting NIMS ICS 300 and ICS 400 training in August at our Kilgore office. These courses are now required under Texas House Bill 33. Please register as soon as possible. The class must have at least 26 participants, or it may be canceled. Please also forward this opportunity to anyone who may need or be interested in attending. Training Details Course: MGT904 / ICS-300 Dates: August 24–26, 2026 Start Time: August 24 at 8:00 a.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3900 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT904&S=941 Course: MGT905 / ICS-400 Dates: August 26–27, 2026 Start Time: August 26 at 1:00 p.m. CST Location: ETCOG 3900 Stone Road Kilgore, Texas 75662 Registration Link: https://my.teex.org/TeexPortal/Default.aspx?MO=mCourseCatalog&D=FP&C=MGT905&S=732 Cost All online classes, including the ICS 300/400 classes hosted at ETCOG, are free. Prerequisites Please read this section carefully before registering. The following four prerequisite courses are required: ICS 100 ICS 200 ICS 700 ICS 800 FEMA online training link for prerequisites: Emergency Management Institute - National Incident Management System (NIMS) https://training.fema.gov/nims/ Please bring copies of your prerequisite certificates with you to class, if possible. A screenshot of your certificates is also acceptable. What to Bring Please bring the following items to training: Copies or screenshots of your ICS 100, ICS 200, ICS 700, and ICS 800 certificates A tablet or laptop The participant manual downloaded to your device The participant manual will be available after you complete registration. Registration Assistance If you have trouble registering, please send a screenshot of the issue so we can help troubleshoot. Thank you, and please register as soon as possible to help ensure the class meets the minimum attendance requirement.

Recognizing National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, April 12–18, 2026

By ETCOG Public Safety • April 1, 2026
National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, observed April 12–18, 2026 , honors the dedication, service, and sacrifice of the public safety telecommunicators who answer the call when emergencies happen. Held each year during the second week of April, the observance recognizes the professionals who serve as the critical first point of contact in emergency situations. At ETCOG, we are proud to recognize the telecommunicators who serve communities across our region. Their work requires professionalism, compassion, quick thinking, and a steadfast commitment to public safety. In moments of crisis, they provide calm, skilled support and help connect people to the emergency services they need. In 2025 , telecommunicators in ETCOG’s service area answered more than 174,000 9-1-1 calls and more than 20,000 9-1-1 texts . Behind each of those numbers is a person in need of help and a trained telecommunicator ready to respond. ETCOG supports the region’s dispatch offices through training, equipment upgrades, and management of the regional 9-1-1 system. These efforts help ensure telecommunicators have the tools, technology, and resources needed to serve the public effectively and efficiently. During National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, we extend our sincere appreciation to the men and women who help keep our communities safe every day. Their work is essential, and their service makes a meaningful difference throughout East Texas.
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