Sedgwick County Provides Support to Hesston and Harvey County

Sedgwick County is providing support to the City of Hesston and Harvey County in response to yesterday’s shooting. Sedgwick County has provided the following essential services:

• Ambulances were dispatched last night to transport individuals from Newton to hospitals in Sedgwick County.
• The EMS Operations Center was activated and additional ambulances were placed on standby.
• An Emergency Management Public Safety Liaison and a Fire District 1 Division Chief are serving as part of the regional incident management team to assist at the scene.
• COMCARE will provide therapists over the next few days to assist in meeting the needs of the victims, families, and the employees of Excel Industries.
• The COMCARE Crisis program has begun providing telephone and walk-in support to clients that work in Hesston.

Sedgwick County Chairman Jim Howell wants to express the following, “Our thoughts and prayers go out to the community of Hesston, especially the victims and their families. It is shocking and so heartbreaking when someone chooses such violence. I am especially proud of Hesston Police Chief Doug Schroeder who bravely stepped into harm’s way to end the violence very quickly! He is a TRUE HERO! I am also very thankful to the many first-responders who rushed to the scene offering tremendous life-saving help. I am amazed when we see the incredible public safety resources in the region come together in a moment.

Sedgwick County Commissioners visited this exact manufacturing plant just 70 days ago. Excel Industries in Hesston is a huge facility with thousands of employees who produce several of the world’s best commercial mowers. This is a great company with the best employees.”