The tragedy in Uvalde, Texas devastated this small, rural community in southwest Texas. The country mourned with Uvalde, and both local companies and the Public Safety industry at large stepped up in a big way for the first responders. The Uvalde Communications Center received a complete overhaul which was provided by industry partners and Texas 911 centers statewide. Two of those extraordinary and empathic people in the industry work with us here at Evans. Scott Mathews, a long-term Texas resident who frequently visits the Uvalde region, and Megan Koehler a Market Manager in Public Safety were among those motivated to help. Scott and Megan agreed there was a need for new consoles to help support the operators after everything they went through. The upgrades will help in the immediate term and for future operations.
Helping Uvalde Communications Move Forward
In support of our team members, Megan and Scott, Evans set out to provide new consoles for the operators in Uvalde. The entire Evans team jumped into action, from Leadership to our Designers and Project Managers to the factory and final assembly team. The entire company got behind the initiative.
We designed, built, and shipped the replacement consoles for the Uvalde Emergency Communications Center and our team signed the interior panels. It is our hope that this gesture and the consoles themselves will improve operator morale at the center.
The Community Came Together for Uvalde
Many others helped with the control room upgrades including Marlin Interiors who provided custom millwork, Nash Industries provided interior drywall and painting, and Intertech Commercial Flooring installed brand-new carpeting. We are proud to join the community of companies and individuals who helped the Uvalde Police Department Communications Center in their time of need. Although these efforts cannot change what happened, it gives the Uvalde operators the equipment and environment they require and deserve.
Leadership & Support from Sales Personnel
At the Texas Public Safety Conference earlier this month, Scott Mathews and other industry partners received an acknowledgment award for their efforts in supporting the Uvalde renovation project. We appreciate everyone's hard work and are proud to have been a small part of this amazing initiative.
2022-2023 Industry Partner Excellence. Presented by Cindy McCraw to Scott Mathews, and Evans Consoles. In appreciation for being instrumental and exceeding expectations with your contributions for the Uvalde Police Department Communications Center. Thank you for your leadership and support.
Uvalde Panel Signing - A Personal Touch
The Evans Consoles team had an idea to add a personal touch to the consoles sent to Uvalde. We wanted to show our support and solidarity for the dispatchers and call-takers who continue to work in the Uvalde region. All available employees signed the interior panel doors which were then installed back on the console frame.
Installation of Signed Panels on Uvalde Console
The plexiglass overlay was installed onto the console doors with the Evans team signatures. Now anytime one of the 4 doors is opened, you will see a panel like this one! We hope this additional small gesture will remind the public safety community in Uvalde we are there to help them get through these tough times.
Uvalde Strong, Texas Strong
Challenge coins are a popular item in public safety and they create a sense of camaraderie and unity within the community. That's why we created this challenge coin pictured below. We are proud to release the coin design during National Telecommunicators Week (April 9-15, 2023) where we celebrate all the FIRST, first responders.
"Uvalde Strong, Texas Strong. We Stand With You, Behind the Thin Gold Line."
The thin gold line (not to be confused with the yellow) symbolizes the loyalty and strength of the rarely-seen heroes. The thin gold line is dedicated to the life and profession of a 911 dispatcher. On behalf of Scott, Megan, and the entire team at Evans, we are grateful to be part of the Public Safety community and will continue to serve those who serve us.
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