Gov. Eric Holcomb proclaimed this week Public Safety Telecommunicator Week in Indiana.

The proclamation is meant to encourage public safety agencies and residents statewide to recognize and appreciate the important work these professionals do.

Fulton County 911 Communications Director Gail Karas says her 13 dispatchers are part of a 24 / 7 service that is a critical component during emergency communications, often being the first-step in coordinating critical, life-saving emergency services. 

Whether it be a car wreck, home intruder, domestic violence, medical problem or some other emergency, 911 dispatchers are trained to stay calm to get the information needed in order to quickly send help.

Karas said she has personally been able to see 911's development and efficency grow throughout the decades. Even back in the 1990's, changes made for addresses in the country instead of the former 'rural routes' have made a world of difference to first responders being able to be sent to a scene quickly. 

Karas started her 911 career in 1999, after she was hired as a dispatcher. 

Whether it's with EMS, EMA, or 911, Karas is thankful for the support she's gotten from Fulton County Commissioners throughout the years. Karas said her main focus as her career has developed throughout the years has been to enhance and make Fulton County better each year. The focus and dedication was inspired by previous 911 directors before Karas. They taught her the importance of growth.

In March, 2023, Karas made her vision of an even bigger and improved dispatch center a reality when her staff officially moved to their newest location in the Fulton County Sheriff Department at 2006 Sweetgum Road in Rochester. 

Karas said the job her dispatchers have each day they clock in is often unpredictable and not for the faint of heart. 

(Pictured is Fulton County Dispatcher Mackenzie Gaines.)