Comfort, Confidence, and Care: Inside Gallatin County’s 911 Transformation

Gallatin County 911

Gallatin County 911 serves a growing community of more than 130,000 residents and thousands of seasonal visitors who flock to Yellowstone National Park, ski resorts, and outdoor recreation. Dispatchers manage everything from routine calls to complex search and rescue operations. When the center’s aging furniture began to fail, Gallatin County partnered with Watson Consoles to design and install a modern dispatch environment built on durability, ergonomics, and long-term support.

Project at a Glance

Gallatin County 911 needed to upgrade its consoles to meet a variety of needs, from durability to dispatcher comfort, and ADA compliance, in addition to flexibility and long-term value.

Primary Challenge: Replace failing, makeshift dispatch furniture with durable, ergonomic workstations designed for long shifts and rotating staff.

Products Used: 6 Mercury Pro Consoles with integrated technology storage and stacking personal storage.

The Request

When Director Tim Martindale arrived in 2019, Gallatin County’s dispatch consoles were literally held together with two-by-fours. Layouts were restrictive, and the furniture was failing to meet the needs of dispatchers working long, stressful shifts. The county needed durable, ergonomic workstations that would stand the test of time while improving day-to-day comfort and professionalism.

Martindale had previous experience with Watson Consoles at another center, where 20-year-old consoles were still functioning flawlessly. That experience made Watson the clear choice for Gallatin County.

“Our top priorities were sturdiness, comfort, and longevity,” said Martindale. “This is a big investment, and I didn’t want to buy new furniture again in five to ten years.”

The Solution

Watson worked with Gallatin County to design and install eight new dispatch positions featuring Mercury Pro Consoles. Each workstation offered height-adjustability, integrated heating and cooling, and expanded work surfaces that could accommodate paperwork, multiple keyboards, and multi-monitor setups without crowding.

Despite challenges during installation, Watson’s team adapted quickly, collaborating with electricians and adjusting layouts on the fly to keep the project on track.

“The installation team was great,” said Martindale. “They weren’t there to punch a clock, they were there to get the job done.”

The Results

The new consoles have transformed Gallatin County’s dispatch center. Morale and professionalism have improved, and dispatchers appreciate the comfort and flexibility provided by the sit-stand adjustability and climate controls.

“It’s been three years now and the furniture still looks brand new. People come in and ask if it was just installed.”

– Tim Martindale, Director

The investment has also reinforced a sense of value among staff. “When equipment fails, you feel like nobody cares,” Martindale added. “Now, our staff feels invested in and valued.”