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, Versailles, Fort Wayne, Lowell, Bristol (Toll Road) and Indianapolis. They are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors to calls for service in 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 VI, located in Bristol, IN, at the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post, are responsible for dispatching troopers and motor carrier inspectors working from the Toll Road and Bremen Districts. The two districts cover nine counties across northern Indiana. They include Lake, Porter, LaPorte, St. Joseph, Elkhart, LaGrange, Steuben, Marshall, and Kosciusko Counties.
Personnel assigned to Regional Dispatch Center VI:
Regional Manager – Helen Kautz, Argos, IN
Regional Supervisor – Angie Starkey, Rolling Prairie, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Cindy Culp, Edwardsburg, MI
Regional Dispatcher – Lori Fitch, Elkhart, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Louella Gary, South Bend, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Stephanie Hubbard, South Bend, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Julie Keeling, Plymouth, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Michelle Leedy, Elkhart, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Liniya Roseburgh, South Bend, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Deidre Sechrist, Elkhart, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Cindy Wiseman, Bremen, IN
Regional Dispatcher – Stefany Workman, Lakeville, IN
