JOHNSON COUNTY — Over the last four years, one 911 center's director's idea has grown to help other dispatchers across the state.
911 dispatchers are among the first to know a crisis is unfolding — like the Greenwood Park Mall mass shooting.
PREVIOUS: Johnson County dispatchers still processing after Greenwood mass shooting
That tragedy, like many others, binds the trained telecommunicators who take the critical calls responding to emergencies.
"We have a tight knit group here in Indiana when it comes to 911 centers," Heath Brant, Johnson County 911 Executive Director, said.
In 2018, the death of three kids at a school bus stop led to 911 dispatchers in Fulton County receiving packages and letters from around the country.
Gail Karas, the 911 center director in Fulton County, created one caring tote. There are now four containers that are filled with snacks. The containers travel across the state to show dispatchers they are not alone.
In the past 18 moths, the tote has made 13 stops in 11 separate counties.
The most recent stop was in Madison County where dispatchers handled the calls following the death of Elwood Police Officer Noah Shahnavaz.
"There's a tragic incident that happens and they know how stressful it is on the dispatchers," Brant said. "This is just one way we can support each other."
Johnson County, which had the tote before Madison County, refilled it and made sure the tradition made it to its next destination.
-
Dominated by Ohio State for years, Indiana has a chance for the big payback
No. 2 Ohio State will have its hands full against a surprising Indiana team that is undefeated and No. 5 in the rankings.
Anthony Richardson is out to prove himself again when Colts and Lions square off
Anthony Richardson wants his doubters to know one thing: Last week's performance was no fluke. All he has to do Sunday is prove it.
Caitlin Clark to join Cincinnati bid for National Women's Soccer League team
Major League Soccer's FC Cincinnati is trying to bring a women's pro team to the city. The club says Clark has joined in the effort.
IMPD officer charged after recording sexual acts in full uniform, voyeurism
An IMPD officer has been charged with voyeurism after allegedly recording sexual acts while in uniform with women without their consent to be on camera.
