Dispatchers Recognized At Commissioners Meeting
Several 911 dispatchers were honored at Monday’s county commissioners meeting.
The dispatchers received the Teamwork Award April 23 at the National Emergency Number Association’s state conference in Indianapolis.
On May 22, 2013, Kosciusko Communications Center began receiving numerous 911 calls of three school buses colliding in North Webster. The buses were loaded with children and they sustained multiple injuries.
Upon the arrival of the first responders, dispatchers were requested to call for mutual aid from surrounding agencies. More than 20 officers from four police agencies, two fire departments, nine ambulances and one medical helicopter were dispatched to the scene.
The dispatch center became inundated with radio and telephone calls, including those from area media. Within 20 minutes of the accidents, dispatchers also received calls of three additional accidents involving eight vehicles, one of which involved two off-duty police officers. The dispatchers were also called upon to assist in coordinating a second triage location at another school for doctors to exam the children involved in the bus accident and for parents to pick them up.
Kosciusko Communications Center also received the Tom Brindle Award. This award was established for late Indiana NENA President Tom Brindle, who passed away just before taking office. Brindle was known for his work and dedication to public safety, while director of Kosciusko Communications Center. Brindle strived for excellence and need to continue growth in technology.
This year’s recipient was Kosciusko County, the first Public Safety Answering Point to develop incoming and outgoing text-to-911 calls. In 2013, Kosciusko County also updated its radio systems, implemented a new CAD and MCT platform, updated its recording system as well as improved interoperability with surrounding agencies. This year’s nomination was submitted by INdigital.
Kosciusko 911 Communications Director David Rosenberry said, “The amount of teamwork, coordination and cooperation between the dispatchers was second to none. I cannot be more proud of the dispatchers.”
The mother of an inmate incarcerated at the county jail spoke out about the treatment her son is getting. Suzanne Kinney’s son, who is in jail for a probation violation, has a chronic heart condition. She claimed her son is not receiving his proper medications and missed a doctor’s appointment in Fort Wayne last week. Sheriff Rocky Goshert, who was at the meeting, told Kinney this is the first he had heard of the issue and he would sit down with her and discuss her son’s treatment.
Dale Borkholder of Warsaw received May’s Veteran of the Month Award. The Air Force veteran was in Vietnam from 1966 to 1970. The retired lieutenant colonel was on active Air Force Reserves duty for 39 years.
Bids for work on a bridge in Warsaw have been postponed due to an endangered species, a mussel, found in the Tippecanoe River. The bridge is located on CR 300N, between SR 15 and Silveus Crossing. Originally bids were slated to be opened May 20. U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service will conduct a six-month assessment process. A motion was made to delay the bid.
Commissioners also heard the Old Jail Museum in Warsaw will need a new roof, costing $13,081.
In other news, the commissioners:
- signed KABS’ letter of intent for a grant to purchase two new buses costing $85,000; the county only has to pay $17,000.
- appointed Sherri Dalrymple to Warsaw Community Public Library board.
Commissioners are President Brad Jackson, Bob Conley and Ron Truex. The next meeting is at 9 a.m. May 20.