Beth Johnson, director of Lonoke County Emergency Communications, has been appointed to the Arkansas 911 Board, recognizing her experience, leadership and commitment to emergency communications and public safety.
Arkansas House Speaker Brian Evans selected Johnson for the statewide position.
Johnson’s appointment gives Lonoke County a voice on the board responsible for supporting and improving emergency communications across Arkansas.
Ken Kincade Recommended Johnson
Cabot Mayor Ken Kincade, who serves as chairman of the Lonoke County 911 Board, recommended Johnson for the appointment.
Kincade’s recommendation recognized the experience and leadership Johnson brings to emergency communications and her dedication to providing dependable public-safety services to Lonoke County residents.
Johnson oversees Lonoke County Emergency Communications, which plays a critical role in answering emergency calls and coordinating responses involving law enforcement officers, firefighters, emergency medical personnel and other first responders.
Her work requires close cooperation with public-safety agencies throughout Lonoke County and surrounding communities.
House Speaker Appoints Board Position
Under Arkansas law, the Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives appoints 1 911 coordinator, director or telecommunicator to serve on the Arkansas 911 Board.
Johnson’s professional position as director of Lonoke County Emergency Communications provides the operational experience required for the appointment.
The House speaker’s appointee serves a 4-year term under Arkansas law. Vacancies on the board are filled in the same manner as the original appointment.
Brian Evans represents Arkansas House District 68 and serves as Speaker of the Arkansas House of Representatives.
Arkansas 911 Board Supports Emergency Communications
The Arkansas 911 Board works to support emergency communication centers and promote effective, efficient and reliable 911 service throughout the state.
Its responsibilities include helping guide the continued development and improvement of emergency communications technology, supporting public-safety answering points and advancing Arkansas’ transition to modern Next Generation 911 capabilities.
Next Generation 911 is designed to strengthen the technology used by emergency communication centers and improve the way critical information is received and shared during emergencies.
The board includes representatives from emergency management, municipal government, county government, law enforcement, fire services, emergency medical services and the 911 communications profession.
Johnson’s experience directing emergency communications in Lonoke County will provide the board with insight into the needs and challenges facing local dispatch centers, first responders and the communities they serve.
Statewide Recognition for Lonoke County Leader
Johnson’s appointment is a statewide recognition of her service to Lonoke County and her commitment to strengthening emergency communications.
Local officials congratulated Johnson and expressed confidence that she will serve Arkansas with the same professionalism and dedication she has demonstrated throughout her career in Lonoke County.
Her appointment also highlights the important work performed daily by Arkansas’ emergency telecommunicators, who serve as the connection between people experiencing emergencies and the first responders dispatched to help them.
MORE INFORMATION
Additional information about the board and its work is available from the Arkansas 911 Board.
Arkansas law authorizes the Speaker of the House to appoint a 911 coordinator, director or telecommunicator to the board. View Arkansas Code § 12-10-305.
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