After nearly a year at the helm of Warren County E-911, Chuck Tate can drop the interim before his title.

The Warren County 911 Commission officially hired Tate as the full-time director of the E-911 during its meeting Wednesday.

“It’s an honor to be able to do it, of course. It’s a great agency, and it’s an honor to be there. We’re going to keep on keeping on,” Tate said.

Tate said he would keep the same salary as when he was in the interim position. The director’s position pays $49,955 annually, according to Warren County budget documents. Salaries for secretaries, the deputy director and director are paid via surcharges added to home and cellphone bills. Dispatchers’ salaries are paid for with a 65 percent contribution from the city and a 35 percent contribution from the county.

Vicksburg Fire Chief and commission chairman Charles Atkins said Tate was selected from about eight candidates who applied for the job.

“We definitely appreciate the service that he’s provided for us as interim. We’re in the middle of a change as we’re improving the center. He’s a big asset in that,” Atkins said.

Since Tate took control of the E-911 center, dispatch consoles have been upgraded, as has the phone system.

A radio upgrade is also in the works.

“I think it’s important that the public know that the 911 commission and the governing bodies want to provide the best service that we can,” Warren County Emergency Manager and commission member John Elfer said. “It’s important to give the right equipment and tools to serve the public.”

Tate said he credits his staff with making major improvements at 911.

“I’m really proud of the folks and the way they have moved forward this last year,” Tate said.

The Warren County E-911 office receives an average of 338 calls for service per day — about 14 an hour, Tate has said. On busy days and weekends, calls peak well above 400.

Tate is a longtime Culkin volunteer firefighter and a past chief of the department. Before becoming interim director at 911, he worked as a part-time dispatcher. He said he began volunteering because of advice his father gave him.

“My dad said we get outstanding living from the community and we have a responsibility to give back to the community. That’s one of the things I’ve believed in ever since he taught me that,” Tate said.