Full Notification

(Fort Wayne, IN)-For the past several years, the Indiana State Police has recognized the pivotal role played by its telecommunications operators who are commonly referred to as regional dispatchers. They use telephones, radios, computers, and technical skills to answer calls for emergency assistance and dispatch first responders to the site of an emergency. They also provide support to field personnel, the general public, local police agencies, emergency medical services, the National Weather Service, and other governmental agencies.

April 13th through 19th is dedicated to the men and women who serve as public safety telecommunications operators. In 1991, Congress proclaimed it as a national week of recognition.

Telecommunications operators, for the Indiana State Police, work from six regional dispatch centers located in Bloomington, Bristol (Toll Road), Fort Wayne, Indianapolis, Lowell and Versailles. They are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors to calls for service throughout the state’s 92 counties. Currently each regional dispatch center is allocated one regional manager, three regional supervisors, and several telecommunications operators (regional dispatchers).

Those selected as regional dispatchers with the Indiana State Police must pass a written and typing test before they are interviewed to be hired. They are required to remain composed in many different emergency situations and have the ability to speak calmly and clearly. They must be proficient in the many tools of their trade which range from computers, multi-line telephones, dispatching equipment, to a fax machine. Indiana State Police telecommunications operators are required to become certified in entering information in the Indiana Data and Communications System (IDACS) and National Crime Information Center (NCIC). They are also required to be certified in emergency medical dispatch.

Telecommunications operators working from Regional Dispatch Center II, located at the Indiana State Police Post in Fort Wayne, are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors working from both the Fort Wayne and Peru Posts. The Fort Wayne Post covers Adams, Allen, Blackford, DeKalb, Huntington, Jay, LaGrange, Noble, Steuben, Wells and Whitley Counties. The Peru Post covers Cass, Fulton, Grant, Howard, Miami, Tipton and Wabash Counties.

Personnel assigned to Regional Dispatch Center II:

Regional Manager Bradley Deane
Regional Supervisor Katherine A. Davies
Regional Supervisor Amanda Updike
Regional Supervisor Justin Yohe
Regional Dispatcher Jon Allen
Regional Dispatcher Leia L. Connett
Regional Dispatcher Melisa Cross
Regional Dispatcher Darcey K. Goehring
Regional Dispatcher Jeff Goehring
Regional Dispatcher Jonathon Jacob
Regional Dispatcher Thomas L. Mayne
Regional Dispatcher Sandra L. Straws
Regional Dispatcher Nathan Stuttle
Regional Dispatcher Victoria C. Thrasher