North Webster Community Center received a grant from the Kosciusko County Community Foundation to purchase an automated external defibrillator. Shown from left are Tony Doyle, Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory paramedic and Emily Shipley, community center executive director, with the AED. Photo provided.

News Release

NORTH WEBSTER — Kosciusko County Community Foundation has awarded a grant in the amount of $2,500 to the North Webster Community Center for the purchase of an automated external defibrillator. The grant is from The Grossnickle Foundation, a component fund of KCCF.

“The North Webster Community Center is grateful to The Grossnickle Foundation for investing in the safety and well-being of those who visit and work at the center,” said NWCC Executive Director Emily Shipley. “We also greatly appreciate the support of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory in ensuring that we would be purchasing the correct AED.”

“This particular AED is used countywide, meaning, if necessary, emergency care doesn’t have to stop once first responders arrive because it connects with our equipment,” added Tony Doyle of the Tippecanoe Township Fire Territory EMS division.

With visitors regularly navigating the hallways, gym, offices and outdoor courts of the NWCC, a former public school serving as a community center since 2002, the AED is something that could well come into play, added Shipley. “In the unfortunate event that we would have any sort of a medical emergency, it is reassuring to know that we can act quickly, even before first responders arrive,” she said.

Shipley noted that training on the use of AEDs is handled by an annual class for NWCC’s staff and board.