TPD dispatcher provides relief

TIFFIN — Candie Cunningham, communications supervisor for Tiffin Police Department, recently deployed to Asheville, North Carolina to provide vital support in the wake of Hurricane Helene's destruction as part of Ohio's Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) team. Cunningham has been a member of the state's TERT team since 2022 when Hurricane Ian struck Florida in 2022. According to Cunningham, TERT is a joint initiative between the Association of Public-Safety Communications Officials (APCO) and the National Emergency Number Association (NENA) dedicated to the promotion of Telecommunicator Emergency Response Taskforce (TERT) programs. Two teams were dispatched to Asheville from Ohio. Cunningham deployed with the second and assisted by handling logistical and coordination decisions. "The second team consisted of dispatchers from Cuyahoga County, Chagrin Valley, Hardin, Summit and Butler counties. to name a few," said Cunningham. "I am sure I am forgetting some agencies but they literally came in from all over the state!" Currently, Cunningham is the only dispatcher from North West Ohio to be deployed. In total, Cunningham drove over 1100 miles in just two days to bring the 10-person team back home. Cunningham additionally helped to bring the tactical dispatch RV known as HAVOC. When asked about her experience in the deployment, she shared "The first team lived without amenities for most of their deployment. No running water, showers, etc." with Cunningham adding, "This second team was fortunate to be able to stay at the FEMA Camp. There was food, water, fuel, shower/bathrooms and bunks. You hear about FEMA and you just don't know what they are capable of, you really need to see for yourself." Regarding the destruction, no words can describe the sights that Cunningham saw. "It was a great experience and I'm very thankful I had the opportunity to help."