About Us

EAST CENTRAL DISPATCH CENTER

A comprehensive effort that embodies the vision of our member cities

A comprehensive consolidate effort

The East Central Dispatch Center (ECDC) is a comprehensive consolidated effort to serve the public safety communication needs of seven municipalities within St. Louis County. An intergovernmental agreement was formalized between the cities of Clayton, Maplewood, Olivette, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, and Webster Groves and later Rock Hill, and Brentwood. This agreement serves to designate ECDC as the multi-jurisdictional center for all emergency communications with regards to fire, police, and emergency medical services for the participating cities.

Embodies the vision of seven member cities

ECDC embodies the vision of the eight member cities by sharing resources that will allow them to continue to provide excellent service while simultaneously striving to maintain the highest level of technology. Cost-sharing made possible through the consolidated approach creates a more efficient level of service. ECDC will also strive to increase the probability of obtaining grants that will further its operations and the capabilities of every municipality involved.

Professionalism and Assurance Standards

ECDC accomplishes its important work through constant professional in-service training, coupled with quality assurance standards. The goal of intense training and high professional standards is the retention of a dedicated staff of efficient, empathetic, and skilled professional. ECDC has a strong commitment to proficiency and motivated performance while serving as the vital link between the public and the agencies served.

Our History


On November 22,2002 and intergovernmental agreement was finalized, upon the approval of all concerned city councils, between the Cities of Clayton, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, and Webster Groves. This agreement serves to designate ECDC as the multi-jurisdictional center for all emergency communications concerning fire, police, and emergency medical services for the participatinoing cities.
On April 1st, 2004, ECDC officially began operations with the five original member cities. In 2005, the City of Olivette joined the communications center followed by the Cities of Brentwood and Rock Hill in 2014.
Located within the Richmond Heights Public Safety Building, ECDC is a comprehensive consolidated effort to serve the public safety communications needs of seven communities through one facility.

Community Profile


East Central Dispatch Center service area includes:

    • Population: 82,358
    • Daytime Population: ??
    • Square Miles: 19.5
    • Police Officers: 80+
    • Fire Department Staff: 52 to 91

Fire Department staffing consists of 18 apparatus' with 2 t o5 persons per truck for a total of 36 to 75 crew members. There are also 13 Chief Officers/Administrative Chiefs as well as 3 Battalion Chiefs. Police Department staffing is total number of officers on-duty at one time.

OUR STAFF

Paul Jokerst

Executive Director

Kurt Ploch

Deputy Director

THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS

Consists of the City Manager from each member city

Bola Akande
City of Brentwood

David Gipson
City of Clayton

Amber Withycombe
City of Maplewood

Jennifer Yackley
City of Olivette

Amy Hamilton
City of Richmond Heights

Garrett Schlett
City of Rock Hill

Marie Peoples
City of Webster Groves

A FEW WORDS ABOUT US


East Central Dispatch Center (ECDC) has existed since 2002 as the result of an intergovernmental agreement between the Cities of Clayton, Maplewood, Richmond Heights, Shrewsbury, and Webster Groves. This original agreement was created with the authorization of Chapters 70 and 321 of the Missouri Revised Statutes. Today, ECDC receives all Police, Fire, Medical, Emergency 911 and Non-Emergency calls for the Cities of Brentwood, Clayton, Maplewood, Olivette, Richmond Heights, Rock Hill, and Webster Groves.
ECDC provides law enforcement with MULES and REJIS inquiries and houses city warrants for five (5) of the participating law enforcement agencies. Along with answering emergency and non-emergency calls, the center also monitors various panic alarms placed through city facilities. By the sharing of recourses, ECDC provides each member city with a cost-sharing approach made possible through the consolidation of dispatch services and creates a more efficient level of service.
ECDC is a shining example of what can happen when municipalities come together for the betterment of their cities. This type of center is a leading example of functional cooperation for the entire region.