Pickens County Public Safety Facility
The growing demands on Pickens County’s emergency response system highlighted the need for a centralized, modern facility. Existing spaces were spread across multiple locations, making communication, training, and daily operations less efficient. County leaders needed a public safety facility that supported mission-critical work, improved coordination, and strengthened resilience during emergencies.
Public Safety Facility Designed to Support 24/7 Emergency Response
Planned through a feasibility study with direct input from emergency management, EMS, and E-911 staff, the Pickens County Public Safety Facility brings together all essential functions. The 34,000 SF, risk category 4 building is designed to support continuous operations with redundant telecommunications and power systems that support continuous operation during severe weather or other high-impact events.
The top floor houses a 12-position communications center with expansion capacity for 24 positions. This level also includes training and meeting rooms for communications personnel, secure work areas for E-911 staff, offices for administrative and dispatch staff, and a kitchen and breakroom.
The ground floor provides secure areas for EMS administrative and logistics teams. A large training room with breakout spaces supports ongoing skill development. Dedicated storage accommodates EMS supplies, records, and controlled substances, while kitchen, breakroom, and shower spaces support staff working long shifts. A climate-controlled logistics area improves the loading and unloading of equipment and supplies.
A separate emergency vehicle storage area includes five bays for equipment and vehicles currently spread across the county. This centralized space houses the mobile command post, emergency response rehab unit, emergency light towers, and backup generators for critical facilities.
Learn More / Read Our Blogs:
- Shared Public Safety Campuses: A Smarter Way to Plan for Cost, Growth and Coordination
- How to Plan and Design a Fire Station That Supports Public Safety, Recruitment, and Resilience
- Designing Emergency Operations Centers That Perform When It Matters Most
- Planning Public Facilities that Keep Up with Growth: Lessons from Hardeeville, SC
- or, see more of our Public Safety designs here