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.
-
When Colts players will report to training camp next month
The NFL released the dates that Colts players will report to training camp and the dates for the joint practices with the Patriots and Falcons.
Divorced Carmel father creates family app that could address attorney shortage
Mike Estridge, a divorced Carmel father, is the CEO and founder of Parency—a software company aimed at streamlining the legal process of divorce
Sunshine returning on Tuesday after a gloomy Monday
After a gloomy Monday, sunshine returns for Tuesday. Isolated sprinkles are possible this evening. Clouds decrease later on to mostly clear skies. Low temperatures in the mid- to upper 50s.
IU to play exhibition game in Evansville against Western Kentucky
IU men's basketball will travel south to Evansville to play Western Kentucky in an exhibition game on October 25. The game will be played at the Ford Center.
