Almost from the moment the stationary bicycle was wheeled into Porter County 911 Central Communications as a surprise gift by the Porter County Fire Association, the challenge was on.
Dispatchers Renee Tomlinson and Lindsey Lloyd took to setting up a competition over riding the bike.
Beyond the good-natured contest, officials said the bike would give dispatchers, who work 12-hour shifts, a healthy way to get moving and burn off the stress of their jobs.
“This means a lot to me,” Tomlinson said Tuesday, adding she’s been using a workout room across the hall on her breaks.
The fire association typically provides funding for meals for dispatchers for the holidays, said Greg Eckhardt, the association’s treasurer, and decided in addition to that, the association also would purchase the bike this year.
The idea, he said, came from John Jokantas, the former 911 director for Porter County who has the same post in Hancock County and outfitted his center there with a bike.
Central Communications was excited to receive the bike, said C.J. Wittmer, the county’s 911 director.
“The dispatchers work 12-hour shifts and oftentimes are held at their work stations due to emergencies for extended periods of time without the ability to move around or stretch so much between those emergencies. Maybe with the exercise equipment, they can get a little exercise in,” he said, adding exercise provides energy in addition to reducing stress.
“It’s extra energy from something other than a cup of coffee. It may not be a bad thing.”
Depending on the shift, seven or eight dispatchers work at a time, Wittmer said, adding another bike might be added over time.
The bike, which doesn’t have handlebars, was festooned with a gold bow and gold and silver curling ribbons. It will be moved from desk to desk in dispatch.
Wittmer wheeled the bike into the dispatch center.
“I come with gifts,” he said, as Eckhardt told dispatchers the fire association was providing the bike because they know how much stress the dispatchers are under.
“We hope to see who logs on the most mileage,” Wittmer said.
Amy Lavalley is a freelance reporter for the Post-Tribune.
