Scott County's chief deputy to manage 911 dispatchers

BENTON, Mo. -- Scott County has a new 911 director.

Scott County commissioners said during their regular meeting Tuesday that Tom Beardslee, chief deputy for the Scott County Sheriff's Department, is now responsible for managing both 911 dispatchers and sheriff's department dispatchers at the Scott County Communication Center.

"I'm excited as I can be," said Commissioner Ron McCormick. "He volunteered at the 911 meeting April 3. He then had to get approval from the sheriff."

Beardslee will continue to serve as chief deputy for the sheriff's department in addition to being the county's 911 director.

"He has taken that on with no additional salary," McCormick said. "It's going to save the county some money."

The money budgeted for the director's position will now be used for additional training, McCormick said, so Beardslee can also be an in-house trainer for 911 personnel.

"He is assessing the personnel and equipment needs at this point," McCormick said.