The Kosciusko County Communications (Dispatch) Center is one area that I feel can often get taken for granted.
Admittingly, it took for me to step into the role as sheriff to truly appreciate all the work the Dispatch Center does for all our first responders in Kosciusko County. It absolutely takes a talented, patient and passionate person to fill the role as a dispatcher.
As I think back on those tough calls I was involved in over the years as a deputy, almost every one of those began with a 911 call to the Dispatch Center, meaning that I was not the only person affected by the multiple emotions that often come when responding to an emergency. To make it worse, often times, the dispatcher does not have the closure on a particular emergency, as there is an expectation for them to regain their composure and simply move on to the next phone call, all while maintaining a certain level of professionalism.
In 2024 the Kosciusko County Communications Center answered 65,772 administration phone calls and 24,781 “911” phone calls. The Communications Center dispatches for 14 fire departments, with 17 different stations, four EMS departments, with nine stations, as well as all of the law enforcement agencies that are within Kosciusko County. With a population of over 80,000 people and over 100 lakes, Kosciusko County is a busy place in terms of emergency services, especially in the summer months.
The Kosciusko County Communications Center operates 24 hours a day, seven days a week and are led by Director Amanda See and Assistant Director Tami Brooks. There are 23 full-time employees assigned to the Center, and the dispatchers work 12-hour shifts. Each of the four shifts have a shift lead to help guide the everyday operations of the center.
Some helpful information that some may not know is that you can send a text message to 911, for those times that a phone call may not be suitable. Another helpful tip is that all cell phones, even those that are disconnected, can still call 911, so please be mindful of this when letting a small child play with a cell phone that still has the battery in it. If 911 is accidentally dialed, please stay on the line and answer the dispatcher’s questions to verify no emergency has occurred, otherwise, it is likely that an officer will be dispatched to the location where the call was made.
The dispatchers are always continuing their education and skills with updated trainings and schools.
“The Kosciusko County dispatchers are always striving to give you their best, while helping citizens through their worst.”
Since taking office as sheriff in 2023, with the help and support of the Kosciusko County Council, we have been able to add four much-needed employees to the Center, and we are currently in the process of implementing a training coordinator from within the ranks, in effort to strive for, and maintain the highest possible standard of trained professionals in their field.
As the sheriff of Kosciusko County, I could not be prouder of the men and women who have committed themselves to being some of the bravest and strongest members of emergency services in Kosciusko County.
Jim Smith, Sheriff
Kosciusko County