Western Colorado Regional Dispatch Center (WestCO)
Established in 2015, the Western Colorado Regional Dispatch Center (WestCO) serves as the primary emergency communications hub for western Colorado. WestCO provides critical 24/7 dispatch services for law enforcement, fire protection, and emergency medical services across the region, ensuring a coordinated and timely response to emergencies.
The WestCO Dispatch Center serves as the primary dispatch service for:
- Montrose County Sheriff’s Office (unincorporated Montrose County)
- Montrose Fire Department
- Montrose Airport Fire
- Montrose Police Department
- Nucla-Naturita Fire Protection District
- Olathe Police Department
- Olathe Fire Protection District
- Black Canyon National Park – Black Canyon Ranger District
- Law, Fire, and EMS agencies in the County and City of Ouray
- Log Hill Fire Department
- Horsefly Fire Department
- Law, Fire, and EMS agencies in the San Miguel County (Telluride and Mountain Village)
Landline vs. Cell Phone Calls
- Landline Calls: When you call 911 from a landline within our service area, the WestCO Dispatch Center automatically receives your name (as listed on the phone bill), phone number, and exact address.
- Cell Phone Calls: Calls from a cell phone may not display your name or precise location. Always provide your exact location and a clear description of the emergency.
Text to 911: Call if you can, Text if you can’t
Text-to-911 is available for situations where speaking is not possible.
This feature benefits individuals who:
- Are deaf, hard of hearing, or speech-impaired
- Are in situations where it is unsafe to speak (e.g., home invasion or domestic violence)
Important:
- Texting should only be used if a voice call is not possible.
- Texts take longer to process, and dispatchers cannot automatically determine your location.
- Do not send photos, videos, or group texts—these are not supported.
Non-Emergency Dispatch
For non-emergency assistance, please call (970) 249-9110.
When Should You Call 911?
- Someone is hurt or in danger
- You see fire or smoke
- A crime is in progress
- An ambulance is needed
- Someone’s life, health, or property is at immediate risk
Do Not hang up
Stay on the line until the dispatcher tells you to hang up.
The dispatcher may need additional information to ensure the fastest and most appropriate response. Remaining calm and answering questions clearly will help first responders assist you more effectively.
Be prepared to answer:
- The location of the emergency,
- The phone number you’re calling from,
- The type of emergency,
- Any other relevant details,
- Your name.
If the emergency is medical, the dispatcher may provide life-saving instructions over the phone until EMS arrives.
Who Can Call 911?
Anyone can call 911 in an emergency. Children should be taught how and when to call 911 for police, fire, or medical assistance.
Accessibility options:
- Sight-Impaired Individuals: Can dial the digits 9-1-1 or use a pre-programmed speed dial.
- Hearing-Impaired Individuals: Can contact 911 using a TDD (Telecommunications Device for the Deaf) or by using Text-to-911 services.
important reminders
- 911 is for EMERGENCIES only. Do not call to ask general questions or as a prank. Misuse of 911 can delay help for real emergencies.
- If you call 911 by mistake, do not hang up. Stay on the line and let the dispatcher know there is no emergency.
- Ensure your house number is visible from the street. This helps emergency responders find your location quickly.
To sign up for Emergency Notifications & Alerts: WestCO Emergency Communications