Kyle Plush Answer the Call Foundation

08/04/2026

“Seconds save lives… these dispatchers saved seconds” The teamwork of Communications Officers Andrea Smith and Tim Harris, and Supervisor Andrew Farlaino at the Hamilton County ECC saved a frightened, desperate man’s life in June 2026 when they received a call from his girlfriend whom he called to tell he had been run off the road, and had been lying upside down in a water-filled ditch overnight. He was unconscious following the accident, but when he woke up, he found a phone with 3% battery to make the call. The girlfriend called 911 and reached Andrea. Andrea got the boyfriend’s number and called it immediately. Andrea remained calm while her team members, Tim and Andrew, worked to try and find the man’s location. He knew he was near a bridge and he could hear a train. Knowing time was critical due to low battery life, this team worked diligently to find the location of this emergency. Tim suggested using a RAVE text message that would allow the caller to share his exact location. Andrea calmly coached the frightened man through the process and the caller’s location was identified and shared with emergency responders. The police and fire department was there within minutes. They had to use a 100 ft rope to get down to the overturned vehicle to extricate him from the vehicle. He had a broken neck but was safely transported to the hospital.
We were honored to present Andrea, Tim, and Andrew with a KPATC Foundation Challenge Coin last Friday for Answering The Call To Be Their Best Selves through their amazing teamwork, diligence and ability to think of another way to find a caller when the battery life of this caller was running out and seconds counted. ❤️

08/01/2026

We honored a team of 911 professionals at Butler County Sheriff’s Emergency Response Services (Allen Spahni, Kelly Fiebig, Summer Kelly, Diana O’Connor, Kayla Harjes, Olivia Newman, and David Taylor) with a KPATC Foundation Challenge Coin for outstanding teamwork when responding to a call received from a 7 year old boy locked in the trunk of his car. The boy did not know the type of car or his address. Even in today’s world of technology, sometimes 911 doesn’t get an accurate location on their caller, which happened in this case. This team worked together looking up the history of calls from relatives and determined the address and type of family vehicle. They were calm, focused, and persistent in finding this caller and we know it didn’t take them long to find the boy as Ron and I were at the center when this call came in and witnessed the amazing teamwork first-hand. Thank you Butler County Sheriff’s ECC for Answering The Call To Be Your Best Selves Every Day, especially on April 18, 2026 ❤️

07/22/2026

Amazing Be The Difference Conference 2026 in Knoxville, TN! KPATC volunteers shared how we support 911 professionals across the US so they can Answer The Call To Be Their Best Selves Every Day. Heard heartfelt stories of how Kyle’s powerful words are making a difference and saving lives! Thank you DALF and The Healthy Dispatcher for putting together a great conference. ❤️

07/20/2026

We are thrilled to support the 911 community. These two dispatchers were the winners of our give away at the KPATC booth in Knoxville, TN at the 2026 Be the Difference Conference. Each one received a $200 Visa gift card. Congratulations, Keylee and Kali and thank you for being your best self each and everyday! ❤️

07/20/2026

Be the Difference Conference generously donated a booth to the KPATC Foundation. We have enjoyed meeting and connecting with so many amazing 911 professionals at the BTD Opening Party last night. Conference attendees come visit our booth today and sign up for our $200 Visa gift card drawing! ❤️

05/22/2026

It was a pleasure to present Lynne Kelly and Vickie Thode at the Orange Park Police Department with KPATC Challenge Coins yesterday. This nomination came to us from Lynne's daughter, Misty, who does not work in the 911 industry. She heard a podcast about Kyle and loved the idea of sharing appreciation with her mom who has worked in dispatch her entire work life (30 years), she retired and still comes back to help out. She also wanted to include her mom's manager, Vickie Thode, who has been in the business 43 years. These calm voices on the other end of our worst calls don't get recognized enough. We just loved to meet these two amazing 911 professionals to thank them for Answering The Call To Be Their Best Selves Every Day! ❤️

04/20/2026

True. Peer support is so important! We all need support from others especially during the difficult times. ❤️

Not every difficult moment in a dispatch center comes through the phone line.

Dispatch work can be intense.

Calls are unpredictable, emotionally demanding, and often arrive back to back. In many of those moments, the people who understand the experience best are the coworkers in the room.

A quick check in after a difficult call.
A quiet “you handled that well.”
Someone noticing when a teammate needs a moment.

These small interactions can have a real impact during a shift.

Peer support helps dispatch professionals process difficult moments, maintain focus, and continue doing the work in front of them.

Strong dispatch centers are not only built on systems and procedures. They are also built on teams that look out for one another.

Those moments of support between coworkers often matter more than people realize.

Join the live stream tomorrow through this link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/84429025901

04/19/2026

Today KPATC volunteers visited Kenton County 911 Center, Cincinnati Emergency Communications Center, Butler County Communications Center and Brown County Communication Center. We had some great conversations. We hope every 911 professional in centers across the country felt appreciated this past week during NPSTW. We truly respect each and everyone of you for choosing this profession. You are the calm voice on the other end of the phone line giving us help during the worst moments in our lives. We will support you. With appreciation and respect - KPATC Volunteers ❤️

04/18/2026

Such a great day visiting Xavier Campus Police, University of Cincinnati 911, West Chester Twp Communications and Northeast Communications for NPSTW! Thank you for your continued service supporting our communities! ❤️

04/17/2026

KPATC volunteers share appreciation with Miami University 911 PD, City of Oxford 911, Clermont County Department of Public Safety, Ohio State Patrol - Batavia and Boone County 911 Communications Center.





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