New Public Safety Communications Center opens in Templeton

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Oct 30 2025

San Luis Obispo County opens modern $39.9 million hub uniting fire and law enforcement dispatch under one roof

TEMPLETON — The County of San Luis Obispo officially unveiled its new Public Safety Communications Center on Monday, Oct. 27, at 352 North Main St. in Templeton, in what has been a major milestone in the county's efforts to improve emergency response and interagency coordination.

The state-of-the-art facility, jointly operated by the San Luis Obispo County Sheriff’s Office and CAL FIRE/SLO County Fire, replaces two outdated and overcrowded dispatch centers that had long served county's emergency needs. The new center brings both agencies under one roof, enhancing collaboration and efficiency during critical incidents such as wildfires, earthquakes, and floods.

“This new center represents a significant step forward in how our agencies work together to serve the community,” said Sheriff Ian Parkinson during the ribbon-cutting ceremony. “It is a testament to the dedication of our dispatchers and public safety personnel, and the importance of strong teamwork in keeping our county safe.”

The 20,193-square-foot, two-story facility includes a 140-foot communications tower, advanced dispatch technology, and expanded capacity for future growth. The project, valued at $39.9 million, was developed through a design-build process managed by the county’s Public Works Department. The collaboration brought together numerous local and regional partners, including IBI Group (architect), Diani Building Corp. (design-builder), T & S Structural (structural), Above Grade Engineering (civil), 3C Engineering (MEP), Mid-Coast Geotechnical, and Oasis Associates (landscape).

More than 140 tons of steel, 150,000 feet of network cabling, 315,000 feet of electrical wiring, and 2,000 cubic yards of concrete were used in the construction. Site improvements include new paving, concrete walkways, and 75 parking stalls, supporting the needs of around-the-clock operations.

Fire Chief John Owens described the new center as “the next generation of public safety” for San Luis Obispo County.

“By bringing our fire and law enforcement dispatchers together under one roof, we’re improving how quickly and effectively we can respond when our community needs us most,” Owens said.

The Public Safety Communications Center will now serve as the central hub for all 911 calls and emergency communications within the county. Its advanced systems are designed to ensure rapid information sharing and coordination between responding agencies, allowing for faster and more effective management of both everyday incidents and large-scale emergencies.

District 1 SLO County Supervisor John Peschong, who represents Templeton and the surrounding areas, praised the project as a countywide success.

"I want to first thank the Board of Supervisors," Peschong said. "All five of us voted for this. And just so you all know, if you know anything about our board, that's not just a miracle. It shows that it's good for the community, it's good for the county. This center will save lives."

He also lightheartedly added that he continues to lobby for a “Templeton Eagle” to adorn the top of the communications tower — a nod to the town's high-school mascot.

The new Public Safety Communications Center is officially operational. Everyone in attendance at the ribbon cutting was able to hear the first official dispatch made from the center and tour the new facility.

Feature Image: SLO County Sheriff Ian Parkinson (center right) and County Fire Chief John Owens (center left) hold up the big scissors after cutting the ribbon on the new Public Safety Communications Center on Oct. 27 in Templeton. Photo by SLO County Sheriff's Office