The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Operator Casey White of Benton County Central Dispatch as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On May 15, 2023, Operator Casey White received a call from an individual who wanted to end their life. Operator White remained on the line with the caller for approximately 1- hour pleading with them not to pull the trigger. She tried to remind the caller of all the people in their life that cared about them and would miss them. While on this call, it was audibly apparent the caller was repeatedly pulling the trigger. Fortunately, the weapon malfunctioned giving Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies time to arrive and make entry. They were able to safely secure the caller and the weapon.
Operator White showed amazing patience and empathy during this call and for her actions we are proud to recognize her as a Missouri Teammate in Action.
The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Operator Karmen Smith of Benton County Central Dispatch as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On May 14, 2023, a female called 9-1-1 to report her boyfriend was at her residence and discharged a firearm into the air. Multiple calls had been received from the female earlier in the day, reporting abusive behavior by her boyfriend. Communications Operator Karmen Smith quickly advised the female to hide in a safe location in case he decided to make entry into the home. For approximately 40 minutes Operator Smith and the caller whispered to each other over the phone. It became apparent the male was actively searching the property for the female caller. When the caller started to break down or began to panic, Operator Smith reassured her help was on the way using effective calming techniques until the arrival of Benton County Sheriff’s Deputies. As a result of Operator Smith’s exceptional skills, obtaining all critical information from the caller, the male was apprehended without injuries to the caller, himself, or responding officers.
For these actions, Missouri APCO is pleased to recognize Operator Karmen Smith as a Missouri Teammate in Action.