Ready Together
First Responder Panel Discussion
Oct 16, 2025
The human side of emergency response was front and center at the second annual ‘First Responder Panel’ hosted by the Buffalo Senior Center on 16th October.
The key message was clear:
Every second matters – and being ready before the crisis can make all the difference.
Listen to the full discussion – including real stories, practical tips, and discover local resources that can help you or someone you love be ready when it matters most.
The event – the brainchild of Sarah Sexton, the Center’s Community Resource and Advocacy Director – brought together representatives from Dispatch, Buffalo Police Department, Buffalo EMS, Public Health, Buffalo Fire Department, Johnson County Emergency Management, and Public Health for a candid, practical discussion on how our community can be better prepared when emergencies happen.
This year’s conversation built on last year’s success, extending the valuable exchange of ideas, technologies, and practical suggestions – not only for first responders, but for anyone wanting to plan ahead, especially seniors and residents living with disabilities or health conditions that may require a unique response.
Panelists and audience members explored a wide range of topics, from dispatch protocols and welfare checks to AI-based scams, medical alert systems, and the advantages of registering special needs information with 911 before an emergency ever happens.
Never hesitate to call 911,
regardless of the time or how minor the situation might seem.
Do not suffer through the night or feel that you are a bother; responders are on duty 24/7 to help.
Panelists shared a few simple, high-impact ways to make homes and information easier to access, including:
- Make sure house numbers are visible from the road, even at night.
- File an ‘At-Risk or Special Needs Form’ with the Buffalo Police Department so dispatchers know about health or mobility issues before responders arrive.
- Keep medication lists, doctor contacts, and DNR or POLST forms in an easy-to-find place.
- For those living alone, consider Project Lifesaver GPS bracelets, Life Alert systems, or daily check-in calls with friends or neighbors.
For more details and links to the agencies or programs mentioned:
Dispatch. Emergency call 911
The Dispatch Center is a telephone and radio center coordinating all Police, Fire, Rescue and Medical responses within the city of Buffalo and Johnson County at all times. 24-hours a day, 365 days a year acting as the vital link between those in need of help and emergency services personnel.
For non-emergencies
(t) 307 684-5581.
To register ‘At Risk/Special Needs’ for First Responder services click here
Return the completed form to:
Buffalo Police Dept/Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
639 Fort St, Buffalo WY 82834
or email to Buffalo-Pd@jcle.us
For Buffalo EMS advice on being EMS-ready at home click here
Buffalo Police Department
(t) 307 684-5581
Johnson County Sheriff’s Office
(t) 307-684-5581
Buffalo EMS (Ambulance)
Call 911 for a medical emergency.
To speak to Director Karri White or for other non-emergency issues
(t) 307 684-2251
Buffalo Senior Center
(t) 307 684-9551
Buffalo Volunteer Fire Dept
(t) 307-684-5566
The Home Fire Campaign (Red Cross) helps save lives by installing free smoke alarms in homes that don’t have them, and by educating people about home fire safety.
Check if you qualify & for more information.
Emergency Management Coordinator
(t) 307 684-2761
(c) 307-620-0837
Be Two Weeks Ready
Emergencies can happen anywhere – at home or at work – preparedness saves lives. Being prepared is key should disaster strike.
Project LifeSaver
Project Lifesaver is a community-based, public-safety nonprofit organization that provides law enforcement, fire/rescue, search-and-rescue teams, caregivers and others with a program designed to protect and, when necessary, quickly locate individuals with cognitive disorders who are prone to the life-threatening behavior of wandering.
POLST & DNR
The Portable Medical Orders (POLST) form gives seriously ill patients more control over their end-of-life care, including medical treatment such as a ventilator or feeding tube and cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). Honoring the wishes of those with serious illness and frailty, whether they are young or old.
Wyoming Relay
A no-cost public service for people who have a hearing loss or speech disability to communicate with standard telephone users
Live Transcribe app
An IOS app easy to use transcription app for the deaf and hard of hearing.
Wyoming 211
Wyoming 211 is the only comprehensive agency in the state of Wyoming that provides individuals and families with all of the critical connections to health and human services that they need in just one call, email, or text. This helpline is available to every individual and family in Wyoming.
Simply call or text 211
