Emergency Services

Johnson County Emergency Management encourages preparedness before storm season

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 25 Feb 2026 17:35:07 +0000

Johnson County Emergency Management encourages preparedness before storm season tim.dodderidge… Wed, 02/25/2026 - 11:35 February 25, 2026

March 2 kicks off National Severe Weather Awareness Week. With the spring season on the way, severe weather season is just around the corner. Peak tornado months typically run from April to June in Kansas but can happen as early as March.

In coordination with the National Weather Service, Johnson County Emergency Management will promote on Facebook and X, formerly known as Twitter, preparedness themes each day to highlight different disaster scenarios. They include:

Monday, March 2: Preparedness
Tuesday, March 3: Flood Safety
Wednesday, March 4: Tornado Safety
Thursday, March 5: Wind and Wind Safety
Friday, March 6: Lightning Safety

Tuesday, March 3 at 11 a.m. will be the countywide test of NotifyJoCo. Those who have signed up for NotifyJoCo will receive a test message, based on the communication preferences selected (phone call, text, email). Residents are encouraged to sign up for NotifyJoCo or review their account details ahead of the test. Register or sign in at notifyjoco.org.

Wednesday, March 4 at 11 a.m. will be a statewide tornado drill. The National Weather Service will issue a Routine Weekly Test to NOAA weather radios to initiate the drill. Johnson County Emergency Management will sound the outdoor warning sirens to test and initiate the drill. Residents should treat the drill as if it were an actual tornado warning. The purpose of the drill is to test everyone’s readiness for life-threatening severe weather.

On Johnson County Emergency Management’s emergency preparedness page, you can find resources to prepare for severe weather and downloadable checklists.

Johnson County Emergency Management encourages local businesses, organizations, and community groups to join its Partners in Preparedness program, which is designed to help businesses, organizations and community groups strengthen their emergency readiness.

By joining the Partners in Preparedness Program, businesses and organizations will be recognized for their commitment to community preparedness and acknowledged as partners in fostering a culture of readiness.

Department:

Emergency Services

Category:

News Releases

Johnson County MED-ACT names new Chief

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 18 Feb 2026 20:04:57 +0000

Johnson County MED-ACT names new Chief tim.dodderidge… Wed, 02/18/2026 - 14:04 February 18, 2026

J. Paul Davis, Director of the Department of Emergency Services, is pleased to announce the appointment of Michael Colman as Chief of Emergency Medical Services for Johnson County MED-ACT, effective Sunday, March 1.

Colman brings more than 33 years of experience in Emergency Medical Services, including executive leadership roles across public, private and public utility model EMS organizations. He also has extensive experience as a program director for EMS education programs. Most recently Colman served as Corporate Asset and Logistics Manager for Amerimed EMS. Colman holds a Bachelor of Science in Administrative Management from Clayton State University and a Master of Public Administration from Columbus State University.

Throughout his career, Colman has been nationally recognized for his contributions to EMS innovation. Notably, The George Washington University College of Medicine and the Journal of Emergency Medical Services have honored him on two separate occasions for developing programs that improved operational efficiency and enhanced patient outcomes.

“I am honored to serve as the next Chief for MED-ACT and to lead such a dedicated team of clinicians and support personnel,” Colman said. “My priority will be to build upon our strong foundation of emergency medical service delivery, strengthen our capacity to provide exceptional care, and uphold the highest standards of safety and responsiveness for the community.”

Davis will continue to oversee the Johnson County Department of Emergency Services, which encompasses MED-ACT, Emergency Communications and Emergency Management.

Department:

Emergency Services

MED-ACT

Category:

News Releases

Dispatchers: Helping voices in 911 calls

tim.phenicie@jocogov.org — Mon, 15 Dec 2025 21:28:20 +0000

Dispatchers: Helping voices in 911 calls tim.phenicie@j… Mon, 12/15/2025 - 15:28

Mike Babcock has dispatched for 29 years.

By Gerald Hay

When a call for help comes into Johnson County’s Emergency Communications Center, Mike Babcock is the voice of calm amidst the chaos.

He is the ECC’s most tenured 911 dispatcher who celebrates his 29th year of public service in January.

Babcock’s not alone. There are 29 full-time dispatchers and one who works part-time from the county’s Department of Emergency Services, which operates Johnson County’s hub for 911 calls and emergency communications. Completed in 2009, the facility is at 118th Street and Ridgeview Road in Olathe.

Dispatchers are the first voice callers hear when reporting an emergency.

They are trained and instructed to ask key questions to handle a wide variety of stressful calls and handle almost any emergency. Their job is gathering critical information and dispatching police, fire and medical help to protect lives and property.

Babcock warns that serious medical emergencies are time sensitive. Residents needing help or callers should not contact a family member or friend first for assistance or advice. This can delay getting the help that’s needed quickly.

“Always call 911 FIRST in emergencies where you need police, fire or medical help,” he said. “It’s OK to call 911.”

The ECC also includes the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office Communications Division with 35 deputies, including Master Deputy Eric Boettcher. He is the longest-serving dispatcher in the division, spanning 19 years in his 24-year career with the Sheriff’s Office.

“The main information we need from a person calling 911 is the location – “Where is the emergency?” The location can be an exact address or intersection. The more detailed the better, for example: west side of the road, or is it inside or outside,” Boettcher said, emphasizing that every second counts in an emergency.

More than 440,000 total calls

The ECC has dispatchers/deputies providing 911 services 24/7.

The Sheriff’s Office Communications Division provides law enforcement dispatches in unincorporated Johnson County and 13 law enforcement agencies, including nine police departments and the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office. From January 2024 to October 2025, the division received more than 440,000 total calls, including over 139,500 911 calls.

Five area police departments also have dispatch centers and answer 911 calls in their communities for law enforcement services.

“None of them handle EMS (emergency medical service) calls or fire calls. As soon as a 911 caller indicates they have a fire or medical emergency, they immediately transfer the call to us,” said Kate Neal-Dorsey, the ECC’s Communications Operation Manager.

The “us” are 29 full-time and one part-time Emergency Services dispatchers. They serve five city fire departments, three fire districts and 19 Johnson County MED-ACT ambulances at 24-hour stations in eight cities.

“During that time (January 2024 to October 2025), we’ve taken close to 100,000 calls where medical help was needed – a little over 67,000 of those calls involved a patient 60 years of age or older,” Neal-Dorsey said, adding there were 29,740 dispatches for fire services.

The top 5 EMS-related requests (in order):

(General) sick/ill subject
Falls
Difficulty breathing
Unconscious-fainting
Chest pain

A 911 dispatcher’s job is far more than simply answering the phone. They handle incoming 911 calls as masters in multitasking.

As he works, Babcock calmly responds to victims calling for help, carefully gathering and recording their information. At the same time, the dispatcher has a direct line of communication with Johnson County MED-ACT and fire crews responding to the scene.

His voice is a steady monotone to cut through any panic for those calling to request help. “I try to get them to calm down and listen to me,” he explained.

Boettcher agreed. “I get to be the first contact on someone’s worst day, and I get to try to help them through it. Sometimes it leads to a happy ending and other times not so much,” he added.

What 911 dispatchers need to know

Remember 911 should be used for emergencies only, but do not be afraid to dial 911 because of uncertainty. Provide:

Your address
Reason for your call: Medical situation/concern, falling, fire, accident, prowler, etc.
Your name

Make sure the dispatcher answering the call knows location of the emergency, especially if a cellphone is being used, and the phone number in case the call is disconnected.

Listen and answer all questions as accurately as possible regarding the emergency to assist the dispatcher and follow any instructions carefully.

Keeping your medical history, doctor’s phone number(s) and emergency contact list taped to the refrigerator in an envelope marked “EMERGENCY INFORMATION.” Johnson County MED-ACT’s File of Life program provides a handy way to provide this important formation. Details are available by calling 913-715-1950 or visiting jocoems.org.

Remain as calm as possible, don’t lose patience or tell the dispatcher to hurry. They already know that.

Do not hang up until the dispatcher says it is OK to do so. To help save critical time after contacting 911, put pets in another room, turn on lights if the call is made at night, unlock and open the front door, clear a path to the patient (both inside and outside).

If 911 call is called by mistake, do not hang up; stay on the line and tell the dispatcher everything is all right. If you don’t, the dispatcher may assume that an emergency has occurred and send a response team to your location.

Trained for many emergencies

Rick Gisolf is deputy director and Chris Shelton is the training manager at the Communications Center.

Dispatchers are trained to respond to a wide assortment of emergencies. They ask specific questions to understand exactly what kind of help is needed to determine the urgency of the situation, send the right resources and ensure law enforcement, fire and EMS personnel have the information they need.

They will also provide either universal/general instructions or situation-specific lifesaving step-by-step instructions to help manage the emergency before first responders arrive on scene.

“There is a method to our madness,” Babcock said in gathering basic facts regarding the nature of the emergency call and vital information about the patient.

Medical alarm companies, providing and monitoring personal alert buttons, have a direct line to the ECC when a device activation is received. Details on the name, address and reason for the alert are shared.

Dispatchers will also ask for the caller’s phone number in case the call is disconnected. Wireless 911 calls, mostly from cellphones, usually do not provide an exact location where emergency services are needed, depending on the nearest cell-phone tower transmitting the call.

“Since Jan. 1, 2024, the percentage of wireless calls has held strong at around 77%,” Neal-Dorsey said.

Dispatchers generally provide the same scripted guidance. Training CPR; choking first aid; bleeding control; stabilizing injuries for someone after a fall; even childbirth.

Their instructions can include initial treatment of accident victims, evacuating from a house fire or safely fleeing from a sinking vehicle in floodwater.

“It goes to everyone whether it’s helping someone 2-years-old or 72,” Babcock said.

The life of a 911 dispatcher is defined by high-stress, round-the-clock shifts and coordinating emergency calls with first responders while trying to maintain calm in chaotic situations. While the job is emotionally demanding, it is also rewarding, with many, perhaps most, dispatchers finding significance in making a difference and saving lives.

“Being a dispatcher is not easy. It’s not for the faint of heart. It’s not for everyone,” Babcock said. “I could not do this job without having a great team to work along beside me. This is a team effort. It takes a village.”

Boettcher says his “village” includes great leadership, teamwork when things get difficult and in time of need, and even some fun.

“When I originally came to communications, I had only planned on staying here for 2-3 years before moving on to another division. Once here, I realized how good of a gig it was,” he said. “As an added bonus, I don’t have to work in the elements, write reports or go to court very often.”

Not all 911 calls have successful outcomes, but Babcock fondly recalled helping to deliver a baby during a 911 call.

“I heard the baby cry. It was a relief to know the baby had a good airway,” he said.

Some unusual 911 calls

Over the years, some 911 calls were quirky, funny or just plain weird.

According to Lt. David Ross, the Sheriff’s Communications Division once received a call reporting a loose kangaroo running around in Olathe.

“It was a legitimate call, and the animal was able to be captured without incident,” he added. The division also had a few calls reporting Starlink satellites as UFOs.

Babcock remembers ECC 911 calls requesting help to free a horse mired in mud, ducklings stuck in a storm drain and looking for a squirrel in an attic.

For the most part, dispatchers generally do not know the outcome of 911 calls as their primary role is to dispatch help and gather immediate information, not the long-term resolution of every incident.

They often do not know the outcome of a patient’s condition once they are transported to a hospital due to privacy laws like the Health Insurance Portability and Accountability Act, or HIPAA.

“A lot of times, you have to hope that your instructions made the difference,” Babcock said.

He has only met the people behind two past emergency calls he handled. They included the parents and their newborn daughter he helped to deliver; the other was a man he helped who suffered a heart attack. All wanted to meet the man behind the voice that helped them.

“When people stop and say thanks, the world stops for a moment, and you feel why you do this job,” Babcock said. “I like helping people.”

ECC serves as hub for 911 calls

Completed in 2009, the Emergency Communications Center at 118th and Sunset Dr. in Olathe is operated by Johnson County’s Department of Emergency Services and Sheriff’s Office Communications Division.

The Sheriff’s Office is one of six initial points of contact for 911 calls in Johnson County. There are 35 deputies trained in communications.

The division dispatches public safety services in unincorporated Johnson County and 13 law enforcement agencies. These include nine police departments (Gardner, Spring Hill, Lake Quivira, Merriam, Mission, Roeland Park, Fairway, Westwood and Olathe), Johnson County Park Police and the Sheriff’s Office which also provides law enforcement services in De Soto and Edgerton. The division also serves the Kansas Department of Wildlife and Parks as well as Olathe School District Police.

From January 2024 to October 2025, the Sheriff’s Office Communications Division received 440,416 total calls, including 139,528 911 calls, 300,888 non-emergency calls and 179,171 calls for service.

The top five law enforcement-related requests (in order):

Non-life-threatening medical call
Motorist assist
Non-Injury accident
Traffic complaint
Welfare check

Police departments in Overland Park, Lenexa, Shawnee, Prairie Village (Mission Hills) and Leawood are the other five initial points of contact for 911 calls in Johnson County, and have their own dispatch centers.

All fire and medical calls in Johnson County are transferred from these police dispatch centers to the Department of Emergency Services communications division with 29 full-time and one part-time dispatchers.

They provide dispatching services to five city fire departments (Leawood, Lenexa, Olathe, Overland Park and Shawnee), three fire districts (Northwest Consolidated Fire District, Consolidated Fire District 2 and Fire District 1). Additionally, the ECC dispatches for Johnson County MED-ACT and Miami County EMS.

From January 2024 to October 2025, almost 100,000 calls resulted in dispatches where emergency medical services were needed and 29,740 dispatches for fire services.

The top five fire-related requests (in order):

Automatic alarms
Investigations
Lift assists
Injury accidents
Assist the public

Preparedness Starts at Home: Johnson County Marks National Preparedness Month

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Tue, 02 Sep 2025 21:27:34 +0000

Preparedness Starts at Home: Johnson County Marks National Preparedness Month tim.dodderidge… Tue, 09/02/2025 - 16:27 September 2, 2025

September is National Preparedness Month, and this year’s theme, Preparedness Starts at Home, encourages everyone to take simple, effective steps to keep their families safe before disasters strike.

Johnson County Emergency Management reminds residents that disasters can happen anytime, anywhere, and being ready can make all the difference. Preparedness doesn’t have to be expensive or complicated, small actions taken now can save lives, reduce stress, and protect property later.

“This year’s theme is about getting back to the basics of preparedness,” said Elise Hayes, Assistant Director of Community Preparedness for Johnson County Emergency Management. “When families know their risks, make a plan, build a kit, and get involved, they’re better equipped to handle any emergency.”

FEMA identifies four essential steps for preparedness:

Know Your Risk – Learn what hazards are most likely to affect your community.
Make a Family Emergency Plan – Decide how your family will communicate, where you will meet, and what to do if separated.
Build an Emergency Supply Kit – Gather food, water, medicine, and essential supplies, including a go-bag for quick evacuations.
Get Involved – Participate in local training, join a Community Emergency Response Team (CERT), or learn first aid and CPR.

As part of National Preparedness Month, Johnson County Emergency Management also highlights its Partners in Preparedness (PIP) program, which recognizes businesses, schools, faith-based organizations, and community groups who build resilience. PIP highlights and recognizes organizations for their efforts in strengthening preparedness through planning, training and outreach.

“Preparedness is a shared responsibility,” Hayes said. “Our Partners in Preparedness program recognizes organizations who are proactive and ensure that preparedness starts at home, at work, in schools, and across our community.”

To learn more about how to prepare and to access free tools and resources, visit ready.gov.

To explore how your organization can join Partners in Preparedness, visit jocogov.org/pip.

Department:

Emergency Services

Category:

News Releases

Pathway to Public Service Expo

Melissa.Reeves@jcw.org — Tue, 08 Jul 2025 18:23:16 +0000

Pathway to Public Service Expo Melissa.Reeves… Tue, 07/08/2025 - 13:23

Are you a student wondering what's next after graduation? Consider learning more about fulfilling careers in public service!

The JoCo Pathway to Public Service Expo is an annual event that invites high school aged students to meet with public service experts in a variety of occupations. This will provide students with a realistic preview of public service careers, removing the mystery and exciting the mind for new career opportunities.

The event features small group breakout sessions, a career fair, swag, lunch and touch-a-truck! Join us 10 a.m.-2 p.m. on Nov. 12, 2025 at the Central Resource Library, 9875 W. 87th St. Overland Park, KS 66212.

Featured Careers:

Corrections
Wastewater
Library
Mental Health
Communications and Engagement
Human Resources
Planning
Health and Environment
Court Services
Emergency Services
Sheriff's Office
And More!

November 12, 2025 - 10:00am November 12, 2025 - 02:00pm

Central Resource Library

Community Event

Communications and Engagement

Court Services

Department of Corrections

Emergency Services

Health and Environment

Human Resources

Library

Mental Health

Planning, Housing and Community Development

Wastewater

Johnson County voters to consider Public Safety sales tax renewal on November 2025 ballot

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Thu, 08 May 2025 21:49:42 +0000

Johnson County voters to consider Public Safety sales tax renewal on November 2025 ballot tim.dodderidge… Thu, 05/08/2025 - 16:49 May 8, 2025

The Johnson County Board of County Commissioners voted today to add a question to the November 2025 ballot for voters to consider a renewal of the Public Safety sales tax. If approved by voters, revenue would be shared between Johnson County and all cities within the county. The county’s portion would fund a wide variety of public safety programs, including but not limited to: Emergency Medical/Ambulance Services (MED-ACT), Sheriff’s Office, Mental Health Crisis Intervention, Emergency Preparedness and Disaster Response, Department of Corrections, District Courts and District Attorney's Office.

“Johnson County has experienced significant population growth over the past 15 years, with an especially rapid increase in residents aged 65 and older. This demographic shift has created increasing demands on our public safety infrastructure,” said Johnson County Board of County Commissioners Chairman Mike Kelly. “Renewing an existing public safety sales tax allows us to continue funding essential services without increasing the property tax burden on residents."

The May 8 BOCC action certified the following ballot language:

“Shall the Board of County Commissioners of Johnson County, Kansas, adopt, renew, and impose for a period of ten (10) years a one-fourth (1/4) of one-cent countywide retailers’ sales tax in Johnson County, Kansas, commencing April 1, 2027, with proceeds from the tax to be distributed as required by law to the County and the cities in Johnson County, with the county share to be used for the purpose of financing the costs of construction, renovation, repair, maintenance, operation and personnel expenses of public safety projects, facilities, and programs, including but not limited to emergency/ambulance/911 services, Sheriff’s Office, mental health crisis intervention, emergency preparedness/disaster response, and criminal justice system?”

Learn more about this topic and stay up-to-date at jocogov.org/salestaxrenewal.

How the funding would be used

Johnson County’s demand for public safety services is growing due to population increases, an aging community and greater complexity in emergency response. Emergency medical services are responding to more high-acuity calls, particularly among older adults, and our public safety system is increasingly addressing mental health crises alongside traditional law enforcement. At the same time, inflation and workforce pressures are driving up the cost of delivering these essential services. There is also uncertainty of state and federal funding for essential services.

If renewed, public safety sales tax funds would go towards Johnson County’s public safety departments and programs. Examples of how the funds could be used include program improvements (e.g., mental health co-responder programs, new emergency dispatch services, re-entry programs for detainees); technology upgrades tied to public safety (e.g., body-worn cameras) and emergency communications/9-1-1 system enhancements.

Details on this revenue option

Kansas state statute allows counties to levy a retailers’ sales tax for the purpose of financing the construction and operation costs of public safety projects. The existing quarter-cent Public Safety Sales Tax III was initially approved by Johnson County voters in 2016. It is currently set to expire on March 31, 2027. This dedicated funding stream has historically supported critical public safety services and the construction and operation of a county courthouse and coroner facility.

Renewing the sales tax would generate approximately $54 million annually based on current collections. The revenue is split between the county and the cities within Johnson County.

$35 million annually for the county (64%)
$19.7 million annually collectively for cities in Johnson County (36%).

Resident feedback

Johnson County recently conducted a resident budget survey about how to fund growing demand for essential county services. Based on the survey, a majority of residents believe that:

Johnson County has experienced significant growth in the past 15 years (96%),
Demand for essential services has increased (76%),
The future of state and federal funding is uncertain (63%), and
The county will need additional funding to maintain and improve essential services in the futures (59%).

The annual community survey earlier this year showed that emergency medical/ambulance services and emergency preparedness were among the most important services for the county to provide. Most respondents named safety and low crime as the county’s top priority for the next five years.

Resident feedback will continue to be important to this process. Residents are invited to engage with the county on this topic by filling out this feedback form.

Department:

Board of County Commissioners

Department of Corrections

District Attorney

Emergency Services

MED-ACT

Mental Health

Sheriff

Category:

News Releases

Opioid Overdose Resources

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Wed, 23 Apr 2025 16:40:06 +0000

Opioid Overdose Resources tim.dodderidge… Wed, 04/23/2025 - 11:40

Below, you will find the instructions for responding to an opioid overdose and administering intranasal naloxone, including printable handouts with this information. You can find resources for recovery at the bottom of the page.

Responding to an Opioid Overdose Emergency

What are opioids?

Opioids are a class of drugs that reduce pain and promote feelings of pleasure and relaxation. Taking too many opioids slows your breathing, which leads to lack of oxygen in your brain, coma, heart stopping and death.

Common opioids include prescription opioids, heroin and illicit fentanyl.

Signs of an Overdose:

Unresponsive to voice or touch
Not breathing or slow/shallow breathing
Discolored lips, skin or fingernails
No pulse or very slow pulse
Pinpoint pupils
Clammy skin

What is naloxone?

Naloxone, also known as Narcan, is medication that works almost immediately to reverse an opioid overdose. It has few known adverse effects, no potential for abuse and can be given quickly with nasal spray. Visit this webpage to request naloxone.

How to Help Someone Experiencing an Overdose

Call 911.
Administer naloxone nasal spray by following these steps:
1. Peel device packaging to remove device.
2. Place your thumb on the plunger and your ﬁngers on either side of the plunger and gently insert the nozzle in one nostril of the person.
3. Press the plunger to spray the entire dose of naloxone into one nostril.
Support the person’s breathing. Be sure airway is clear and administer CPR as needed.
Monitor the person’s response. Only when breathing is restored place the person in the recovery position:
- On their side
- Legs bent
- Head resting on the arm on the ﬂoor

Do's and Don'ts of Responding to an Overdose

Do attend to the person’s breathing.
Do administer naloxone once, maybe twice, if no response after the ﬁrst dose.
Do place the person in recovery position.
Do stay with the person.

Don't

Don’t forcefully try to stimulate the person.
Don’t put the person into a cold bath/shower.
Don’t inject any substance beside naloxone into the person.

Responding to an Opioid Overdose Emergency (English) (PDF)

Responding to an Opioid Overdose Emergency (Spanish) (PDF)

How do I use naloxone?

Important: For use in the nose only

Do not test nasal spray device before use
One nasal spray device contains one dose of medicine
Each device sprays 1 time only

Step 1: Check if you suspect an overdose

Check for a suspected overdose. The person will not wake up or is very sleepy or not breathing well.
Yell "Wake up!"
Shake the person gently.
If the person is not awake, go to Step 2.

Step 2: Give first dose in the nose

Hold the nasal spray device with your thumb on the bottom of the plunger.
Insert the nozzle into either nostril.
Press the plunger firmly to give the first dose.
One nasal spray device contains one dose.

Step 3: Call

Call 911 immediately after giving the first dose.

Step 4: Watch and give

Wait 2-3 minutes after the first dose to give the medicine time to work.
If the person wakes up, go to Step 5.
If the person does not wake up:
- Continue to give doses every 2-3 minutes until the person wakes up.
- It is safe to keep giving doses.

Step 5: Stay

Stay until ambulance arrives, even if the person wakes up.
Give another dose if the person becomes very sleepy again.
You may need to give all the doses in the pack.

How to Administer Narcan (PDF)

Recovery Resources

Recovery Treatment List

Johnson County 911 dispatchers honored by Mid-America Regional Council

tim.dodderidge@jocogov.org — Mon, 14 Apr 2025 18:10:44 +0000

Johnson County 911 dispatchers honored by Mid-America Regional Council tim.dodderidge… Mon, 04/14/2025 - 13:10 April 17, 2025

Left to right: Gale Wash, Emergency Services; Marlynda Dixon, Emergency Services; Ryan Reschke, Emergency Services; Heather Beabout, Sheriff's Office; Joe Hunninghake, Sheriff's Office; Eric Boettcher, Sheriff's Office

911 dispatchers with the Johnson County Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Communications Center were recently honored by the Mid-America Regional Council for their efforts providing life-saving services.

Six county employees with these departments received awards at the 2025 Telecommunicators Appreciation Celebration and Outstanding Performance Awards, hosted by MARC’s Public Safety Communications Program, on April 11.

The Outstanding Performance Awards are presented to public safety personnel who consistently perform above and beyond the call of duty, demonstrate exemplary performance in a critical incident, conduct outstanding training performance and have made a significant contribution to the field of public safety over a minimum of 20 years.

The 2025 honorees included these county employees

Everyday Hero: Joe Hunninghake, Sheriff’s Office
Outstanding Training Performance: Ryan Reschke, Emergency Communications Center
Lifetime Achievement:
- Heather Beabout, Sheriff’s Office
- Eric Boettcher, Sheriff’s Office
- Marlynda Dixon, Emergency Communications Center
- Gale Wash, Emergency Communications Center

The awards ceremony kicked off National Public Safety Telecommunicators Week, an annual initiative that honors 911 dispatchers and call takers for their commitment, service and sacrifice.

911 dispatchers with the Sheriff’s Office and Emergency Communications Center are tasked with answering 911 emergency calls, connecting callers with the emergency services they need – whether it’s public safety, fire or emergency medical services.

The Emergency Communications Center serves an area of approximately 1,000 square miles in suburban and rural Johnson and Miami counties, dispatching more than 76,000 Fire and EMS calls per year.

The Sheriff’s Office Communications Division serves 13 different Law Enforcement agencies in Johnson County. They answer approximately 300,000 phone calls per year, and handle over 325,000 events, ranging from traffic stops to emergency calls in progress.

Department:

Emergency Services

Sheriff

Category:

News

Johnson County wants residents to be severe weather ready

elise.hayes@jocogov.org — Wed, 26 Feb 2025 17:33:22 +0000

Johnson County wants residents to be severe weather ready elise.hayes@jo… Wed, 02/26/2025 - 11:33 March 3, 2025

Today, March 3, 2025, kicks off National Severe Weather Preparedness Week. With the spring season on the way, severe weather season is just around the corner. Peak tornado months typically run from April to June in Kansas but can happen as early as March.

Monday, March 3: Having a Plan
Tuesday, March 4: Flooding
Wednesday, March 5: Tornadoes
Thursday, March 6: Wind and Hail
Friday, March 7: Lightning

On Tuesday, March 4 at 10 a.m. will by the countywide test of NotifyJoCo. Those who have signed up for NotifyJoCo will receive a test message, based on the communication preferences selected (phone call, text, email). Residents are encouraged to sign up for NotifyJoCo or review their account details ahead of the test. Register or sign in at notifyjoco.org.

On Wednesday, March 5 at 11 a.m. will be a statewide tornado drill. A live tornado warning will not be broadcast on the NOAA Weather Radio, but residents are encouraged to take this time to practice safety plans.

Update: The monthly outdoor warning siren test has been rescheduled for next Wednesday, March 12 at 11 a.m. We encourage those holding tornado drills at 11 a.m. on March 5 to please practice your plans then or participate next Wednesday during the rescheduled siren test.

On the county’s Severe Weather Guide, you can find resources to prepare for severe weather. When there’s an active threat of severe weather, the county will use this webpage to keep visitors informed of the latest on the storm and any county service-related impacts.

Johnson County Emergency Management has also launched a new initiative designed to help businesses, organizations and community groups strengthen their emergency readiness. By joining the Partners in Preparedness Program, businesses and organizations will be recognized for their commitment to community preparedness and acknowledged as partners in fostering a culture of readiness.

Learn more about NWS Severe Weather Preparedness Week.

Department:

Emergency Services

Category:

News

Community Outreach

elise.hayes@jocogov.org — Tue, 25 Feb 2025 18:52:19 +0000

Community Outreach elise.hayes@jo… Tue, 02/25/2025 - 12:52

At Johnson County Emergency Management, we are committed to fostering a culture of preparedness and resilience. Our Community Outreach initiatives provide valuable resources, training, and partnerships to help individuals, businesses, and organizations prepare for emergencies and disasters.

Explore our programs:

Community Emergency Response Team (CERT): Learn lifesaving skills and disaster response tactics to assist your community in times of crisis.
Local Emergency Planning Committee (LEPC): Stay informed about hazardous materials planning and response efforts in Johnson County.
Partners in Preparedness Program: A collaboration between businesses, nonprofits, and community organizations to enhance readiness and resilience.

Looking for a speaker or training session? Request a presentation from our team to bring preparedness education to your school, workplace, or community group. Questions? Please reach out to us at DES-ready@jocogov.org.

Community Emergency Response Team Local Emergency Planning Committee Request a Presentation Partners in Preparedness