Through a partnership with the Franklin County Emergency Management Agency, the Franklin County Sheriff's Department (FCSD) received the gift of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED). 

The AED is a lifesaving device that was purchased through a grant from the Indiana Department of Homeland Security (IDHS) 's Foundation.

According to the Red Cross, an AED "is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest. It's a sophisticated, easy-to-use medical device that can analyze the heart's rhythm and, if necessary, deliver an electrical shock, or defibrillation, to help the heart re-establish an effective rhythm."

Emergency Management Director Amy Lindsey shared, "I am excited to be able to provide this device to the sheriff's department. They're often the first responders at emergency scenes and have the potential to save a life with this AED." 

Lindsey wrote the grant that allowed the county to receive funding through IDHS for the device and three new weather stations for the county.

"The grant is funded through sales of the Secure Indiana license plates," Lindsey explained. "I was able to apply for up to $4,000. I applied for three weather stations and three AEDs, but I only got enough funds for three weather stations and one AED. Still, the weather stations will be linked up to the Wilmington, Ohio, NWS, and the local TV stations. Our current weather station died a couple of years ago. The three new ones will be located in Laurel, Brookville, and Mt. Carmel, so we have coverage countywide. If I can get future grants, I'll get more AEDs, but those grants aren't around too often."

Franklin County EMS Advanced EMT Ashley O'Neal provided hands-on training for sheriff's deputy John Roberts, who will carry the AED in his patrol vehicle. Roberts added, "The AED will be a great asset to add to our many tools used to assist the community."

Lindsey continued, "Public safety has the good of the community at heart, so anytime we can come together to benefit the citizens of Franklin County is a good day."