EMMIE BOESE
Hutch Post
HUTCHINSON, Kan. —The Hutchinson-Reno County Emergency Communications team has been around for 40 years. The joint system was still a seven-digit number when they combined in 1983. The first 911 system was set up in Reno County in 1985. On Saturday, the dispatch center celebrated their 40th anniversary with a ceremony inside the Law Enforcement Center.
The anniversary specifically marks the result of the center becoming one agency for EMS, Fire, and Law Enforcement. Director of Emergency Communications Kevin Irwin said the idea to celebrate the anniversary came up in a staff meeting.
"Not many people can come in here and sit in front of those consoles 12 hours a day and listen to somebody, give CPR instructions, hang up the phone and do it again," Irwin said. "Or somebody is being assaulted or beat up, this folks do it everyday. They show up for work every day," Irwin said about the center's emergency dispatchers.
Irwin said he wants the community to know that the celebration is giving honor as a service for them too. He said the top priority is to keep everyone safe, first responders safe, and dispatchers safe.
"They need to understand that we are here for them, and that it is all about them," Irwin said. "This is what we do. We are that calming voice that nobody sees a face to."
The anniversary celebration consisted of tours of the dispatch center, and discussion with emergency personnel. In total, the center has nine consoles and eight employees, not including leadership.
Those who attended the event also had the opportunity to learn about updates the emergency communication team has made together since Irwin become director eight months ago.
"I think the biggest thing is we're with the medical emergency dispatch, which is the medical script for the call taking process," Irwin said. "In July, we went live with the fire script, so that was in the works when I started and we worked right through it and got it launched in July and have been very successful in a proper fire. When a fire calls, we have the right questions to ask and the right time to send the resources."
Irwin said the center averages between 350 and 400 calls a day and a dispatcher typically works a 12 hour shift.
The Law Enforcement Center is located at 210 W. Ave. More information about the Hutchinson-Reno Emergency Communications team is available at hutchgov.com.
Always call 911 in an emergency. Dial (620) 694-2800 to reach the 24/7 dispatch non-emergency line.
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