Emergency Services
The Emergency Management Office is responsible for creating plans through which communities reduce their vulnerability to hazards and cope with disasters. Disaster management does not avert or eliminate the threat; instead it focuses on creating plans to decrease the impact of disasters. Failure to create a plan could lead to damage of assets, human mortality, and lost revenue. The EM Office is also the central point of contact for requesting assistance, supplies, and equipment from the state or federal levels during times of disaster.
By utilizing the four phases of Emergency Management (Mitigation, Preparedness, Response, and Recovery) EM can respond more effectively and efficiently to the citizens of the Qualla Boundary during times of emergencies and disaster.
Cherokee Tribal EMS
Our mission is to be available to all clients and provide “state-of-the-art” pre-hospital instruction and community education; and to respond to and address all emergency and non-emergency calls on the Qualla Boundary, as well as in surrounding communities and Great Smoky Mountains National Park.
Contact 828.359.6361
Cherokee Fire and Rescue
Cherokee Fire and Rescue strives to protect the lives and property of residents of the Qualla Boundary and its surrounding communities from natural and man-made disasters.
Contact 828.359.6150
Our vision is to become the premier emergency service delivery agency in the region by developing an organization of professionals serving with pride and integrity. We strive to use the latest technology and business practices to meet the current needs and future growth of our community while consistently reflecting the history and culture of the people we serve.
Burn Permit Application
Click the button below or scan the QR code for the Burn Permit application.
Public Safety Communication Center
The Public Safety Communication Center (PSCC) is the center of communication for E911, Police, Fire, EMS, NRE, and Emergency Management Services for the Eastern Band of Cherokee Indians and surrounding service areas. The major center operates 24/7, 365 days a year, and is responsible for receiving and gathering information for the major emergency responders (Police, Fire and Rescue, EMS, and NRE) so that they can provide emergency assistance to the EBCI communities and visitors. During weather-related incidents or man-made disasters, the PSCC is the hub of communication for all EBCI entities (CDOT, Tribal Construction, etc.) and services.
The PSCC maintains a communication link between the Qualla Boundary citizens and the emergency responders of the Tribe and assists in maintaining a cooperative effort amongst the counties containing Tribal lands (Jackson, Swain, Graham, Cherokee, and Haywood) and Great Smoky Mountains National Park/Blue Ridge Parkway, with which mutual aid agreements have been established.
In summary, the PSCC is responsible for gathering accurate information and disseminating it to the correct emergency entity without delay. It is the duty of the PSCC to keep citizens and responders as safe as possible using technology and a sense of urgency.
Staff includes a manager and 12 full-time telecommunicators. All staff must obtain and maintain multiple certifications that combat and satisfy potential liability. The Public Safety Communications Center’s Budget also includes an administrative assistant, who provides support to the Communications Center and 911 operations.
Contact 828.359.6444