Bristol – 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.
Each year the second full week of April 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. This year it is April 7 through April 12.
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 Indiana State Police Bremen Post. The Bremen Post covers Marshall, St. Joseph, Elkhart, and Kosciusko Counties. Telecommunications operators assigned to Regional Dispatch Center VI are also responsible for dispatching personnel assigned to the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post. The Toll Road Post is responsible for patrolling the Indiana Toll Road which traverses through northern Indiana in Elkhart, Lake, La Porte, Lagrange, Porter, St. Joseph’s, and Steuben Counties.
Personnel assigned to Regional Dispatch Center VI:
Regional Manager Helen Kautz
Regional Supervisor Angela Starke
Regional Dispatcher Juliet Keeling
Regional Dispatcher Lucinda Culp
Regional Dispatcher Cynthia Wiseman
Regional Dispatcher Lori Fitch
Regional Dispatcher Stefany Workman
Regional Dispatcher Stephanie Hubbard
Regional Dispatcher Liniya Roseburgh
Regional Dispatcher Louella Gary
Regional Dispatcher Michelle Leedy
Regional Dispatcher Deidre Sechrist
Anyone interested in a career as a telecommunications operator with the Indiana State Police are encouraged to contact their nearest Indiana State Police Post or check the State of Indiana Job Bank.
(Photo attached is Lt. Dave Kirkham, ISP Area I Criminal Investigation Division and Lt. Michael Young, commander of the Indiana State Police Toll Road Post presenting Regional Dispatch Supervisor Angela Starkey a copy of the proclamation recognizing Telecommunications Operators week).
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