Chesterton and Porter Dispatch Center Closure Marks End of an Era

Shortly before 6 a.m. on Tuesday, a significant chapter closed at the Chesterton/Porter joint police dispatch center. Dispatchers Kaylee Nugent and Jessica Holaway broadcasted their final radio transmission. Their words resonated with emotion as they reflected on 50 years of service by police dispatchers in Porter. Nugent noted, “We weren’t the face of the department. We were its voice.” The heartfelt message thanked the community and officers for trusting the dispatch center over the years.

Holaway highlighted the collaboration between Chesterton and Porter since 2014, operating together at the Porter Police station. She reminded everyone that while calls will now be answered elsewhere, the bonds and experiences shared inside the dispatch center mattered greatly. In her parting words, Holaway stated, “Long live Northcom,” acknowledging efforts to keep the center open.

As the transition to Porter County E-911 became official at 6 a.m., the dispatch room was filled with decorations like streamers, confetti, and a banner stating, “The beginning of a new chapter.” These decorations aimed to lighten the mood ahead of the center’s last day. Porter Police Chief Dan Dickey remarked, “They’re trying to be good sports about it.” Thankfully, all full-time employees found new jobs, allowing for the center’s closure to move up to September 1.

Dickey shared a personal connection to the center, having begun his law enforcement career as a part-time dispatcher. He recalled the decision by Porter and Chesterton to establish the joint dispatch center in 2014. Despite his preference for maintaining the local dispatch, the consolidation journey began on a stressful day in June 2025, marked by a shootout that highlighted delays in dispatching emergency help.

Porter County Commissioner Jim Biggs and Porter County Central Communications Director Debby Gunn criticized these delays. This led to tensions between the communities and the county, ultimately resulting in the decision that all 911 calls would no longer be transferred to the Chesterton/Porter center.

Nugent, who will stay on as a clerk, expressed that the transition’s hardest aspect was county dispatchers’ unfamiliarity with local protocols. Efforts to improve relations between the communities and county have continued in recent months.

Chesterton Police Chief Tim Richardson expressed sadness for employees losing their jobs due to consolidation, while also expressing hope that centralized dispatching will enhance communication among first responders. Discussions include creating a new channel for the Duneland area. For now, calls will share a channel with the Porter County Sheriff’s Office.

Debby Gunn announced her continued role until a replacement is found, with staffing expansions planned for the county dispatch center. She optimistically stated, “I am excited. It’s been a long time coming.”

The end of operation for the Chesterton/Porter joint dispatch center marked the transition to a new phase of emergency services, echoing a history filled with trust, community service, and significant memories.