To the Rescue
Cherokee County has a wide range of first responders who stand ready and are prepared to respond in times of an emergency , crisis or disaster . The county has two ambulance services in the county , close to a dozen fire departments and several law enforcement agencies that respond to the scene in times of medical emergencies , fires , and urgent situations that might arise . Several law enforcement agencies are also on patrol 24 / 7 .
Cherokee County 911
The Cherokee County 911 emergency response system was approved by voters and formed in 1994 . The county ’ s 911 nine-member trust authority was chosen by county commissioners in 1995 , and in 1996 , mapping and readdressing of the county began . The county ’ s 911 office also gives addressing information , so if new to the area , or moving from one location to another , call the 911 office at 918-458-6513 , or visit 914 S . College Avenue . Alisha Felts is the county ’ s 911 coordinator .
Ambulance Services
Northeastern Health System and the Cherokee Nation have ambulance services that respond to emergency and non-emergency calls in Cherokee County . Cherokee Nation Emergency Medical Service became the first tribe in the U . S . achieve accreditation through the Commission on Accreditation of Ambulance Services .
Fire Departments
Cherokee County has several rural fire departments and many are operated by volunteer firefighters who perform fire suppression and other related emergency services . The city of Tahlequah has two fire stations - one downtown , and another in the Southridge neighborhood . The Tahlequah department is led by Fire Chief Casey Baker .
Law Enforcement
There are several law enforcement agencies patrolling Cherokee County and its communities such as the Tahlequah and Hulbert Police Departments , the Northeastern State University campus police , the Cherokee County Sheriff ’ s Office , the Grand River Dam Authority , and the Cherokee Nation Marshal Service . State and federal agencies such as the Oklahoma Highway Patrol ; Oklahoma State Bureau of Investigation ; the Federal Bureau of Alcohol , Tobacco , Firearms and Explosives ; the U . S . Marshals Service ; and the Federal Bureau of Investigation also assist in investigating local criminal cases .
Emergency Operations Center
Tahlequah-Cherokee County Emergency Management officials keep watch of Oklahoma ’ s weather - a fierce ice storm , or strong thunderstorm that might spawn tornadoes . Tahlequah and Hulbert have severe weather sirens . Mike Underwood in the Tahlequah-Cherokee County EM director and volunteers act as storm spotters for the EM office . The University Center basement at NSU is the only public shelter in Tahlequah .
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