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.
-
Medicare premiums will rise yet again in 2025. Here's what you need to know
Americans on Medicare can expect their premiums to go up by just over $10 per month starting in 2025. Here's what you need to know.
INDOT seeking feedback on the next phase of ProPEL US 30 & 31 studies
The Indiana Department of Transportation is asking for feedback from communities along US 30 and 31.
Plans released for science and technology campus in Westfield
The Grand Universe District will contain a state-of-the-art science and space center for learning and exploration, as well as a STEM pavilion with related events and amenities.
IPS students receive free shoes, hats from Colts’ Kenny Moore II
Kenny Moore II handed out new athletic shoes and hats to over 400 kids at IPS Charles Warren Fairbanks Elementary School on the northeast side of Indianapolis.
