Lincoln Emergency Communications Center Now Fully Staffed

New recruits graduate from 7-week telecommunications academy to serve the community.

Published on Feb. 8, 2026

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The Lincoln Emergency Communications Center has reached full staffing for the first time in two decades, with the recent graduation of seven new telecommunicators from the Lincoln Police Department's 7-week training program. These new recruits are now ready to be the first voice that community members hear during their worst moments, providing critical support and assistance.

Why it matters

A fully staffed emergency communications center is crucial for ensuring prompt and effective emergency response in Lincoln and Lancaster County. The new recruits will help alleviate the need for overtime and provide stronger support to both the community and the existing team members.

The details

The latest graduates of the Lincoln police department's telecommunications academy have spent nearly two months learning skills like instructing callers on CPR, knowing local geography down to the street name, and handling radio traffic to better assist those in need. The new hires will join an existing team of over 62 employees at the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center.

  • The Lincoln Emergency Communications Center reached full staffing earlier this week.
  • The latest group of 7 new telecommunicators graduated from the 7-week training program.

The players

Matthew Harwell

Leads training for recruits at the Lincoln Emergency Communications Center and has seen around two dozen graduate in the past nine months.

Jacob Zeleny

A Texas native and new graduate of the telecommunications academy, inspired to serve his community as the first voice callers hear during their emergencies.

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What they’re saying

“Each and every day it's the reality that we're taking calls. We're directing radio traffic. That makes a difference in the lives of the citizens of Lincoln and Lancaster County.”

— Matthew Harwell, Training Leader (1011now.com)

“I'm the first person that hears what they're going through. And will be the first voice they get to hear rather than however long a call for service takes to reach them. It's what some people would say is a big job, but I have a lot of pride in it because I like to serve people.”

— Jacob Zeleny, New Telecommunicator Graduate (1011now.com)

What’s next

The Lincoln Emergency Communications Center will continue to monitor staffing levels and provide ongoing training to ensure the community receives the best possible emergency response support.

The takeaway

A fully staffed emergency communications center is a critical component of public safety, and Lincoln's investment in recruiting and training new telecommunicators demonstrates its commitment to serving the community during their most urgent moments.