Daviess County Sheriff Kevin Heldenbrand’s investigation of the one-vehicle accident which totaled the car driven by Deputy Todd Watson last week has not been completed, but Heldenbrand stated that "obviously, he (Watson) was going too fast."
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Watson was not injured. The sheriff has received accident reports from the Highway Patrol and will review the 9-1-1 tape as well.
Sheriff Heldenbrand and 9-1-1 Supervisor Dana Carder, Gallatin Police Chief Mark Richards, Jason Smith of the Community Ambulance District, and dispatchers from 9-1-1 all met Jan. 8 to informally discuss and clarify communication procedures used during emergency situations. While the number one goal is to respond to the emergency in timely fashion, it is also important that responders arrive at the scene safely.
Dispatchers have been asked to give officers any information which will help them assess the need for speed and the need to "run code" (lights and siren), such as when an accident is categorized as J-1 (non-injury). The meeting was simply an informal exchange of ideas and suggestions which will help improve communication between officers and dispatchers.