Vol. 3, Issue 6                                        June 2018
Over the last few weeks, I have had the opportunity to witness the work of several Sedgwick County public safety professionals. I think my random sample is indicative of the high caliber of excellence we have across the public safety spectrum. 

Sedgwick County Sheriff deputies seem to be omnipresent when bad things happen. When criminal situations develop, those officers are there in a flash and then zealously engage the situation, doing whatever they can to protect and serve. 

I have said for years that our Emergency Medical Services (EMS) organization is one of the best in the nation. This week, I met 12 cardiac arrest survivors that tell similar stories of how Sedgwick County personnel (911 call takers, dispatchers, firefighter EMT’s, and EMS paramedics) worked together to perform a miracle, bringing cardiac arrest patients back to life. 

The professionalism and skill demonstrated makes me feel like I can relax a little more knowing that if a medical emergency ever happens, the best system of care is just a phone call away.  

Tremendous courage was also demonstrated last week when Sedgwick County firefighters entered the historic St. Joseph Catholic Church in Andale when flames were totally out of control. These brave public safety professionals sprang into action and performed their role like powerful machines. 

It is always unfortunate when fires and accidents happen, and can be scary when someone has a medical emergency. But knowing these folks are trained, ready, and standing by when that call comes in makes our community a great place to call home. Thank you Sedgwick County for doing an amazing job keeping us safe. 
July 4 safety tips
As we enter into the July 4 holiday, Sedgwick County encourages residents to enjoy a safe and festive holiday. Emergency Communications will staff a non-emergency line for non-emergency nuisances that do not pose a threat to life or property; examples include complaints pertaining to parties, excess noise, fireworks, etc. Residents may dial 316-290-1011 from Saturday, June 30 to Wednesday, July 4. The line will be active between 6 p.m. and 2:30 a.m.
Sedgwick County Fire District 1 created a brief video of firework safety instructions. Remember to inspect fireworks to insure they have not been damaged by moisture. An adult should supervise all firework activities and they should only be used outdoors. Do not drink alcohol while shooting fireworks. Residents should dispose of fireworks in a metal container, not a plastic trash can. Let them cool overnight or soak in water in a container away from your home and garage. Click on the photo below for the full video.
Cardiac arrest survivors reunite with rescuers
Sedgwick County EMS hosted an event celebrating survivors of sudden cardiac arrest on Monday, June 25. This event brought together 12 former patients who suffered sudden cardiac arrest and were successfully resuscitated by local first responders. Survivors and their families were reunited with the EMS paramedics, firefighters, and dispatchers who had a role in their survival.  
Crews continue to work on the Kellogg/ I-235 interchange rebuild. This first phase is scheduled to be completed in 2019.
Update on Kellogg/ 235 interchange
Project updates can be found at www.235kelloggcentral.com and include:

  • Maple Street under I-235 is open to two lanes of traffic for each direction.
  • The eastbound US 54 ramp to northbound I-235 is closed. Detour to southbound I-235 to K-42 to northbound I-235. 
Projects in District 5
Road construction on 87 th S between Webb and Greenwich
  • Daily closures in preparation for paving later this summer
 
Asphalt Surface Recycling and Repaving on 63 rd S between Greenwich and 159 th E
  • Paving expected to begin in late June
2019 budget development update 
Commissioners and County leaders continue to work on the 2019 budget. Several workshops were held this month regarding the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), Sheriff’s Office programs and pay, and employee health benefits. The County Manager will present his 2019 Recommended Budget to Commissioners on Wednesday, July 18. There will be two public hearings available for members of the public to attend – July 25 at 9 a.m. and August 9 at 6 p.m. Additionally, there will be an opportunity for residents to comment on the budget online via a social media town hall and a forum on the County’s website. 
Commissioners approve funding for community amenities
On June 13, Commissioners voted to approve one-time funding for the Kansas Aviation Museum and the Derby Historical Museum.

The Kansas Aviation Museum, located at 3350 George Washington Blvd, requested $50,000 for the restoration of a B-52 airplane (a 170 “D” model) built by the Boeing Company, which is on display, and for building maintenance.

The Derby Historical Museum requested $10,000 from Sedgwick County to replace 18 window openings. The museum is located at 208 N. Westview Dr. in Derby. 
Suicide prevention – know the signs
In recent years the amount of deaths by suicide in Sedgwick County has been increasing at an alarming rate. In 2016, there were 91 suicides in Sedgwick County. Educating yourself and others on the warning signs can play a crucial role in saving someone else’s life, or your own . If you begin to notice these signs from you or someone you know, take it seriously, talk openly about the issue, listen to their feelings, offer them hope that help is available, and do not leave him or her alone.

If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call our Community Crisis Center at 316-660-7500 or the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255. Both resources are free, confidential, and available 24/7.

To get Suicide Prevention training for your organization, business, or group please contact:
Sedgwick County Suicide Prevention Coalition deidre.helm@sedgwick.gov or 316-660-7535 or tisha.darland@sedgwick.gov or 316-660-7517.
Protect your pets from the summer heat
During these hot summer months it is important to keep your pets out of the heat. Some ways to keep them safe are by providing a constant source of fresh water, providing shade or shelter for them when outside, and never leaving them in a hot car. Even in shade, a car’s internal temperate can be up to 10 to 20 degrees warmer than the outside temperature. Remember to call 9-1-1 if you see an animal in a vehicle during hot weather. 
Riverfest festivities 
In addition to Riverfest’s Safelite Autoglass Sundown Parade submission this year, Sedgwick County sponsored two care stations which provided basic first aid, and held a recognition event for several public safety employees who go above and beyond.  

At the recognition event, County leaders honored Emergency Communications Dispatcher Tiffany Vo, EMS Lt. Allie Losey and Lt. Sharde Lovato, Firefighter Brant Arnold, Deputies Jeff Smith and Doug Robertson. These individuals have been recognized by agency leaders, professional organizations, and peers for their service. 
Sedgwick County breaks ground on new EMS Post
On Monday, June 4, Sedgwick County leaders broke ground on Emergency Medical Service Post 15, 3575 N. Webb Rd.

With an expected completion date of early next year, this 2,998 square foot, pre-engineered steel structure will be staffed 12 hours a day, 7 days a week. It will have double drive-thru bays and the ability to house two 24/7 crews and ambulances if needed in the future.

Upon completion, this $799,000 construction project will be the 16th EMS post in Sedgwick County.
Commissioners support Envision expansion
Commissioners attended the grand opening of the William L. Hudson BVI Workforce Innovation Center at Envision in Downtown Wichita on Thursday, June 7. The center will ensure people who are blind or visually impaired learn the necessary skills to help them succeed in their jobs. Additionally, it will create more opportunities for them to work in office and administrative settings.

The center is named after William L. "Bill" Hudson, CEO of LC Industries, whose priority has been creating national employment opportunities for people who are blind or visually impaired for the past 50 years.

Governor Jeff Colyer was among those who spoke and he described the center perfectly by saying, “We are changing the world right here in the heart of America.”
Commissioners discussed commerce with international guest
On Monday, June 11, Commissioners held a brief meeting with Ambassador Mai Sayavongs and Madam Soumaly Sayavongs from Lao PDR. They were touring the region to learn about the State’s commerce options. 
County at local fairs and festivals
Did you attend the Kechi Fair June 23? Sedgwick County sponsored a booth to engage with residents and help them learn more about programs and services available.

Look for the Sedgwick County booth at the Sedgwick County Fair on July 18. Our staff will be ready to talk with residents about the organization. 
Project Wichita survey
Earlier this year, Wichita State University’s Public Policy and Management Center along with the initiative leads held focus groups to provide thoughts about the region’s vision.Through those responses WSU created a survey to assess the importance of eight broad topics for our region. Please take a moment (approx. 5 minutes) to give your input on the Project Wichita Survey to help guide the discussion on the region’s vision found. Click the link to get started.
County offices to close for holiday
Sedgwick County offices will be closed on Wednesday, July 4, 2018. Emergency services will be available by calling or texting 9-1-1.
As the top outdoor family attraction in the State, the mission of the Sedgwick County Zoo is to inspire discovery, appreciation, and respect for animals and nature. It is home to 3,000 animals and nearly 400 species. The Reed Family Elephants of the Zambezi River Valley exhibit is the third largest elephant habitat in the United States. 
Exploration Place, Kansas’ premier science center, inspires a deeper interest in science through creative and fun experiences for people of all ages. Through its permanent and travelling exhibits, education programs, Digital Dome Theater films and special events, visitors can enjoy learning about science, technology, engineering, and mathematics. For example, the all-new, 5,100 square foot Design Build Fly exhibit celebrates our community’s aviation industry. Visitors encounter dozens of hands-on activities that focus on manufacturing and engineering to reveal what happens behind-the-scenes in our aircraft plants.   
The Kansas African American Museum endeavors to make the Kansas African American experience resonant with EVERY Kansan. Located in the venerable Calvary Baptist Church, visitors may expand their knowledge and understanding of the Kansas African American story. 
Residents and visitors can gain an understanding of our community and cultural heritage at the Wichita – Sedgwick County Historical Museum. By collecting, preserving, and interpreting materials which reflect the area’s heritage visitors can experience different facets that shaped the community we live in today.  
County Information
Contact  Commissioner Jim Howel l: 
316-660-9300
525 N. Main, Ste 320, Wichita, KS 67203

Contact Public Information Officer:
Kate Flavin, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203

Interim Director of Strategic Communications:
Tania Cole, 316-660-9370
525 N. Main, Ste 343, Wichita, KS 67203