An announcement from the Starke County Sheriff’s Office this week shares that Starke County Dispatch is reaching out to the community for information.
Dispatch is updating its Computer Aided Dispatch (CAD) system with information that could be life-saving.
The dispatch team encourages citizens to share identifying details and your address with them if you are the parent or guardian of a child, or care for an individual with Autism, Alzheimer’s dementia, or another disability. They state this information will help first responders quickly and safely return loved ones home if they ever wander.
Residents are also asked to consider providing important medical information that is tied to their address, such as swallowing disorders, blindness, deafness, or other conditions that may impact emergency response. Having this information readily available allows dispatchers and responders to act quickly and appropriately in critical situations.
Those who are aware of a child with Autism in their neighborhood and who have a pool, pond, or other water source are also encouraged to share that information with the Starke County Sheriff’s Office. This will allow dispacth to quickly identify any neighborhood hazards and to streamline search efforts in case of a missing or wandering person in the area.
Starke County Sheriff’s Office also offers programs that can be set up on cell phones, to securely provide first responders with vital health details including medical conditions, allergies, blood type, and any emergency contacts, during a 911 call. The technology helps to ensure that responders have the information they need when every second counts.
Anyone interested in sharing information with dispatch, or who would like assistance in setting up emergency features on your phone, please contact 911 Director Becca Hardel at 574-772-3771 ext. 220, or by e-mail at bhardel@starke.in.gov.
