If you ask Brandi:

I knew of a 4-02 that worked for Thorntown Police Department, as any other unit on any other Department – too me it was just another officer that stopped into Dispatch to say hi, steal snacks, or need some kind of assistance. Derek tells me that he remembers coming into dispatch and meeting me, yet I don’t remember that as much because he was just another officer stopping in.

I really started to know Derek about a year later after I started working in Boone County Dispatch. I had gone out to bars, casinos, parties, etc. with all our mutual friends and he was always just somebody there that was also invited. That is really where I began to know him as a good friend. There was one specific party that we went to where Justin Knox (a groomsman) kept making me alcoholic concoctions, yet I couldn’t drink them because I had to drive me and Kirsten Gibbons (Matron of Honor) home. So, instead I kept giving them to Derek and made him drink all of them, and he did like a champ without selling me out.

We started really getting to know each other, texting and talking on the phone all the time after that and became good friends. I will be honest, I wasn’t interested at first, or even looking for a relationship. I had been going through a lot in my personal life and was working on moving out from a previous relationship and into my own apartment.

Little did I know, Derek went out of his way and reached out to all my closest friends and family to ask what all my favorite things were – snacks, colors, household needs etc. He went out of his way to make a moving in package to get started at my new place. At first, I was not thrilled, because I didn’t need help or assistance, but I realized he did it to just make life a little bit easier.

From then on, we kept talking and soon before we both knew it we were in a relationship. It wasn’t the most traditional, but soon he was always coming over and pretty much staying with me all the time. I met his kids early on and adored them like my own. (Autumn Babcock – Junior Bridesmaid & Morgan Babcock – Flower Girl). On top of that we went on many adventures and trips together, built a foundation that only keeps getting stronger, and even have grown our family with 3 dogs.

I can’t wait to see what the out life and future brings us!

If you ask Derek:

I met Brandi one day in passing while stopping by into dispatch to say hi and raid their snack table. Dispatchers are our lifeline in Police, Fire and EMS. Their job is much more than answering 911 calls. It’s also making sure we all get home at the end of our shifts safe and sound. I was introduced to her and since then she has been my lifeline.

We grew our friendship over the years, and I quickly realized she was more than the voice on the other end of the radio. Going through life had me in low places and all it took was a well-timed phone call for her to pull me out of the mess and move forward even though she had no clue how much that phone call meant.

After some time, we moved in together where we took many adventures together to Vegas, Cruises and trips to other States. We struggled together but grew strong. We have supported each other through job changes and challenges life through at us.

What sealed the deal? Brandi took Autumn and Morgan in like they were her own. That’s not a common trait within single women. Most women want a man without baggage, but this was not the case with Brandi. Morgan is glued to her side. Autumn is constantly wanting to do crafts and bake with Brandi. And despite how tired Brandi is, she always makes it work. Playing games with them, making sure Morgan’s hair is exactly perfect and Autumn has everything she needs to be successful at school.

I’m happy to have a lifeline like Brandi. Knowing my back is covered and someone who pushes me to keep moving forward. I'm excited for our future together.