Howard County dispatcher honored

911 Dispatcher Blake Mendenhall was presented with the Life Saving Award from the Indiana Sheriff's Association during their annual conference in French Lick.

This honor recognizes Blake's outstanding efforts during a critical medical emergency earlier this year.

On January 23rd at 5:35 AM, Dispatcher Mendenhall received a call about a person possibly having a seizure. The situation quickly escalated when the patient became unconscious and unresponsive. Blake immediately took control of the call and began giving CPR instructions to the caller, initiating life-saving care before first responders arrived.

Thanks to Blake’s calm and decisive actions, Kokomo Fire Department Engine 4 and Ascension St. Vincent medics were dispatched without delay. Upon arrival, the crews consisting of Captain Mike McKibben, Firefighters Mike Westbrook and Josh Schaeffer, Paramedic Collin Byam, and EMT Tara Hamilton took over care, continuing CPR, defibrillating, and administering medications. After several intense minutes, they successfully regained a pulse and transported the patient to the hospital. We are grateful to say the patient survived and is with us today.

Blake’s exceptional work that morning has been recognized multiple times:

February – Life Saver Award from the Kokomo Fire Department
May – Letter of Commendation during the Howard County Sheriff’s Office Annual Inspection
July – Indiana Sheriff's Association Life Saving Award