How West Carolina Swift Action

When Hurricane Helene swept through Anderson County, it left a trail of destruction, including widespread damage to critical infrastructure. Among the hardest-hit sectors was Anderson County’s emergency communication network, which suffered a catastrophic failure due to disrupted ISP circuits. The breakdown left the Law Enforcement Center (LEC) and the E911 center disconnected, crippling emergency call processing and response operations.

Faced with this urgent crisis, Anderson County officials turned to West Carolina for help. “We contacted Zac Campbell at West Carolina, explained the dire situation, and requested assistance,” said Brian Gambrell, Anderson County chief information officer. “Zac responded without hesitation, and by the end of the day, West Carolina had a solution in place.”

Within hours, West Carolina’s team was on-site and implemented an internet-based data link between the LEC and E911 center, restoring critical connectivity. This rapid response proved vital to emergency operations, enabling swift data handling and communication at a time when every second counted.

“The services provided by West Carolina that day were lifesaving,” Brookshire said. “Their swift action and expertise ensured the safety of Anderson County’s citizens during a time of immense need.”

Anderson County’s working relationship with West Carolina is built on a foundation of trust, professionalism, and collaboration. “West Carolina’s personnel consistently demonstrate an admirable work ethic and unparalleled professionalism,” said Don Brookshire, Anderson County assistant chief information officer. “We have great respect for their team and truly enjoy working with them on current and future projects.”

The Hurricane Helene response underscores West Carolina’s commitment to community service and operational excellence. The partnership with Anderson County showcases how local expertise can address critical needs quickly and effectively, even in the most challenging circumstances.

As the region continues to recover from Hurricane Helene, West Carolina remains dedicated to strengthening the resilience of its network and supporting its community in every way possible.