Lawton, OK – Participants in the City of Lawton’s Citizens Academy explored emergency communications and city planning during the program’s fourth week.
The session provided participants with a behind-the-scenes look at how city departments operate and how different systems are used to support emergency response and the development of Lawton.
Emergency Communications Director Jessica Carter gave participants an overview of the city’s emergency dispatch operations. She explained how dispatchers receive incoming calls, determine where those calls need to be sent and use various systems and applications to coordinate emergency responses.
The session also included information about the training required for emergency dispatchers. E911 Training Coordinator Brandon Schwandt explained the process dispatchers go through to prepare for their responsibilities and respond to emergency calls.
Participants also learned about the city’s planning and development through a presentation from Planning Director Christine James.
James explained how Lawton’s layout is connected to the grid system established during Oklahoma’s early development. As part of the presentation, participants learned about the location that serves as the starting point for Lawton’s grid system.
The intersection of Railroad Street and Gore Boulevard serves as the zero point for Lawton’s grid system, according to the city.
The Citizens Academy is designed to give residents a closer look at city departments, services and operations. Through the program, participants can learn how different parts of local government function and how city employees contribute to the community.
The fourth-week session continued the academy’s focus on providing participants with information that may not be visible during their everyday interactions with city services.
The City of Lawton said the Citizens Academy would continue with additional sessions providing participants with a behind-the-scenes look at city departments and services.
