Henderson County Criminal Justice Center Struck by Lightning
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HENDERSON COUNTY, Tenn.- Residents in Lexington said they are questioning emergency response time after the Henderson County Criminal Justice Complex and Dispatch center took a direct hit by Lightening early Sunday morning. “The only thing everybody is probably worried about is timing,” said Resident Staci Maness, “How long is it going to take to get that 9-1-1 call, and how fast can you get there?” Henderson County deputies said the lightening struck an outside antenna which caused serious electronic damage and knocked out emergency dispatch for several hours Sunday morning. “Probably the most of the damage was more in 9-1-1 than any where else in the building,” said Sheriff Brian Duke, Henderson County Sheriff’s Dept. Duke said the damage forced dispatchers to forward incoming emergency calls through an emergency radio to Lexington’s police department. “There is no problems dispatching. It’s just the other way was better, plan -B is not as great but it still works fine,” said Duke. Duke said the set back will only slow dispatch up momentarily. Residents said they fear those moments could make a big difference. “If there is an emergency and I’ve got somebody with a gun at my door and I need help, I want you there soon,” said Maness. “I just hope it doesn’t hurt the community in any way.” Officials said the lightening that struck the building not only shut down dispatch, it fried several monitors, destroyed security cameras and disabled electronic door’s key less entries. “One of the most critical things that was damaged was our fire alarm system,” said Sheriff Duke, “So that changes the way we do things.” Sheriff Duke said deputies have been placed on a 24/7 fire watch. Each officer is to patrol cell blocks with a fire extinguisher until their fire alarm system is back up and running. The jail’s visitation has been canceled until further notice. Sheriff Duke said the building did not lose security during the lightening strike due to security plans that were already in place. If you are in an emergency situation in Henderson County, residents can still call 911. The Criminal Justice Center Complex is up and running with operators who will direct your call.
