State recognizes local dispatchers
Communication officers are the unseen voice heard on the scanner as emergency responders are called to action.
Many times they are the only connection a person has until help arrives. They are trained to stay calm and in radio broadcasting procedures and emergency medical dispatching.
Because many times communication officers are not recognized for their efforts, Indiana recognizes them during Public Safety Telecommunications Week.
Public Safety Telecommunications Week began in California in 1981 and was nationally recognized by Congress in 1991. In Indiana, it was recognized in 1999.
Public Safety Telecommunications Week, April 12-18, is a reminder to Hoosiers that help won’t arrive until the initial 911 call is made.
“I’m happy that a week each year is to recognize and appreciate our emergency telecommunication dispatchers. They are often unsung heroes in an emergency,” said Pulaski County Sheriff Jeffery Richwine. “After 32 years of working with them I can tell you from experience their voice is a welcome relief. Please join me in giving them the recognition they deserve on Telecommunications week.”
Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office Communications Director Steve Harvey said the dispatch center has a wealth of experience that combined totals 150 years.
“Dispatchers are the absolute center of everything that occurs in public safety in Pulaski County. Police, fire, and EMS could not get to your house to help you without the dispatcher,” Harvey said. “We are the voice behind the scenes. We don’t receive nor do we need praise when we help someone. It is without a doubt one of the most important and underappreciated professions. Pulaski County should be very proud of their dispatchers and the service they provide.”
The team of dispatchers at Pulaski County Sheriff’s Office includes Harvey, 911 coordinator Carrie Harvey, communications officer I Michelle Twellman, communications officer I Lori Sturgell, communications specialist Sheri Gaillard, communications officer I Carol Crist, communications officer I Patti Jo Rausch, communications specialist Donnetta Conley, communications officer I Laura McIntosh, communications officer I Tanner Prentice, communications officer I Rick Kain, communications officer II Lisa Dommer, communications officer II Alexis Jones, communications officer II Kara Aaron, communications officer II Leslie Oliver and communications officer II Tina Wagner.