More than 365,000 people came downtown for this year’s Let Freedom Sing! Music City July 4th celebration — a record-breaking crowd, according to Visit Music City. Even with the large turnout, Nashville’s 911 system stayed open and ready for real emergencies, thanks to the help of the community.
The Department of Emergency Communications (DEC) answered over 2,500 calls on Independence Day. Call takers met and exceeded national standards, with 90% of 911 calls answered in less than 10 seconds.
Most fireworks and noise complaints were reported through hubNashville or the city’s non-emergency line. This helped 911 call takers stay focused on emergencies. Between 6 a.m. on July 4 and 6 a.m. on July 5, hubNashville received over 340 requests, including 91 about fireworks or noise.
DEC call takers and dispatchers were busy all night and into Saturday morning. They sent emergency crews to multiple fire reports across the county, including several dumpster fires and a fire reported at a North Nashville nightclub.
Members of DEC’s Telecommunicator Emergency Response Team (NTERT) directed public safety communications for the downtown event, logging over 309 entries into the incident’s command logs. NTERT personnel’s situational awareness and quick action helped get emergency crews to three gunshot victims Friday evening. Metro Police later said the injuries were likely caused by celebratory gunfire.
DEC knows how frustrating illegal fireworks can be, especially for people with pets, trauma histories, or noise sensitivity. By keeping 911 clear for true emergencies, Nashvillians made a big difference. DEC thanks everyone who reported responsibly.
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