HANCOCK COUNTY — When Hancock County 911 dispatcher Jon Bullman isn’t at the Hancock County 911 Center answering phones and dispatching police and fire to calls, he’s putting his art skills to work to honor others.

Bullman likes to carve pumpkins as a way to give back to the community, he says. It’s all part of a new tradition he began two years ago and continues to mean more to him and others each year.

In 2022, Bullman carved pumpkins for public safety heroes who died that year. The carvings are his own way to honor the memory of those who dedicated their lives to public service helping others.

“I felt like it was my own way to pay tribute to those who give so much to serving their communities,” Bullman said.

Bullman says he’s been carving pumpkins for over 12 years, and he hopes the pumpkins bring a smile and fond memories to those that knew them.

This year’s pumpkins include honoring Corporal Brandon Schreiber Newton County Sheriff; Deputy Fred Fislar Hendricks County Sheriff; Kenneth Caldwell LaCrosse Volunteer Fire Department; Rodrick Lambert Wayne Township Fire Department and Dispatcher Steffanie Pickett Hamilton County 911.

“They dedicated their lives to helping others,” Bullman said. “It feels good to help their friends, family and the community remember their contributions and know they will never be forgotten.”