State of Indiana

09/08/2024 | Press release | Distributed by Public on 09/08/2024 14:01

Gov. Holcomb announces Executive Director Kelly Dignin of Integrated Public Safety Commission to retire

INDIANAPOLIS - Governor Eric J. Holcomb today announced Executive Director Kelly Dignin will retire in August from the Integrated Public Safety Commission (IPSC) after serving more than 28 years with the state.

"Kelly has been critical in improving the state's public safety communication efforts to serve Hoosiers effectively and efficiently when they need it most," Gov. Holcomb said. "She witnessed several evolutions of communicative technology and guided the state on how best integrate those technologies to support emergency responders in life-or-death scenarios."

Dignin was appointed executive director of the IPSC in 2019 following 10 years as the director of the data exchange network. She started her career 32 years ago in public safety as an EMT and began her service with the State of Indiana as a dispatcher and training officer at the Lafayette State Police Post.

During her time as the executive director of IPSC, Dignin accomplished the following:

  • Implemented the Emergency Response Operations to support the Emergency Response & Restoration Service in communication efforts with state, local and federal agencies during large events and disasters.
  • Improved upon existing systems and launched new technology to better communicate during emergency situations. The new technology includes:
    • CriticalConnect which allows IPSC to connect Indiana's radio system to other states.
    • SmartConnect which properly equips first responders with the ability to communicate if they are out of cellular range.
    • Land Mobile Radio (LMR)- to - Long-Term Evolution (LTE) which connects the public safety radio system to a cellphone app to open lines of communication for responders who carry radios outside their coverage area.
    • FirstAlert is a mobile App that connects educators, governments, organizations and businesses directly to the 911 center during emergency situations.
    • Personnel Accountability allows the public safety agency to manage, communicate and track responders on scene of a structure fire or a large disaster to ensure safety.

"The implementation of new technology was so much fun," Dignin said. "It was rewarding to see the benefits of these applications. These technologies truly embody IPSC's motto of Saving Money and Saving Lives. I want to thank Gov. Holcomb because working for his administration has been the highlight of my career."

Dignin's last day is Aug. 16, 2024. A new leader for the agency will be determined soon.

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