2017 Don “K” Director’s Award Winner

Valerie Luchauer, 9-1-1 Director Lawrence County

Valerie Luchauer, 9-1-1 Director for Lawrence County, also serves in the roles as: EMA Director, 9-1-1 Addressing Coordinator, LEPC Chairperson & ADA Coordinator.

Over the course of last year, Valerie has worked tirelessly to improve the status and quality of 9-1-1 in Lawrence County. She has been instrumental in establishing a central dispatch; thereby consolidating PSAP services across the county. Going to bat with county officials to fight for a much needed raise for all of her employees, to which she succeeded, was significant in the retention of current employees, as well as recruitment of new employees.

She led a successful campaign to obtain nationally recognized training for dispatchers, and has implemented Lawrence County’s first certified training program for Law Enforcement Dispatch, Fire Service Dispatch, and Emergency Medical Dispatch, providing a much needed protection from liability.

Valerie is a leader when it comes to technology in the PSAP. She has overseen the development and implementation of TexTTY, upgraded 9-1-1 computer systems, and improved functionality by removing noisy hardware from inside the center and relocating it to an IT room. In addition, she has been pouring her time and resources into obtaining the county’s first CAD system, which is due to go live in June of this year.

Cpt. Mark Jones & Lt. Chad Hayes agree that without a doubt, 9-1-1 services in Lawrence County have improved dramatically over the past year owing to the fact that Mrs. Luchauer is the 9-1-1 Director.

On behalf of IN APCO we THANK YOU for your service to 9-1-1.

Melissa N. Christman
President, Indiana Chapter of APCO