New technology is being used by Stafford County dispatchers. They now have the technology to do video calls with someone calling 911. Here’s how it works: When you call 911, the dispatcher can ask to send you a link. If you approve, you will start a live video feed from your phone to show the emergency as it’s happening. “It’s almost like having an extra person without them actually being there. To have eyes on the situation and they’ll be able to see what’s going on, or we can see something they’re not telling us,” said Stafford County Sheriff Robert Murrow. Stafford County Dispatch Coordinator Gina Schwein says this tool can help dispatchers understand an active scene. “If we have to help someone through an emergency, I can see where it would be beneficial to see what they’re doing to guide them through it,” said Schwein. Creating a second set of eyes for emergency responders. “This right here will give us the advance warning so it can be handled appropriately,” said Sheriff Murrow. Once the call is completed, all video and phone access is disconnected from dispatchers, keeping your personal information safe. The Kansas 911 Coordinating Council says 49 counties in the state are currently using this video tool, but it could expand to other counties.
Source: KSN-TV

A K9 with the Sedgwick County Sheriff’s Office was killed in the line of duty Thursday afternoon. According to Sedgwick County Sheriff Jeff Easter, the K9 killed was Bane. Bane came into service with Wichita Police Officer Daniel Gumm in Dec. 2017, after Gumm’s previous K9, Rooster, was shot and killed in the line of duty. Rooster was the first WPD K9 to be killed in the WPD’s history. Officer Gumm lost his battle with cancer in November 2022, and Bane was donated to the SCSO. According to WPD Lieutenant Aaron Moses, just before noon on Thursday, the WPD domestic intervention and violence reduction team was in the area of Pawnee and Rock trying to locate a 24-year-old man suspected of robbery. Moses said the suspect was found around 12:10 p.m., but he fled on foot and into a drain, through a creek, and under the road. He then barricaded himself and refused to come out. After negotiations with the suspect failed, the SCSO and the WPD sent K9 officers into the drain. According to Moses, the dogs were on extended leashes and supplied with cameras. “There was an altercation between the suspect and the Sedgwick County Sheriff K9, and at 1:34, the K9, the Sedgwick County Sheriff K9 dog, was pronounced deceased on scene,” said Moses. Moses said they were able to talk to the suspect, and through negotiations, he surrendered around 2:40 p.m. and was taken into custody.
Source: KSN-TV