The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (Missouri APCO) is pleased to recognize Dispatcher Jonathan Sunderland and Supervisor Kasey Conn of Crawford County 9-1-1 as Missouri Teammates in Action!
At 10:22 AM on March 5, a Text-to-9-1-1 was received by Crawford County 9-1-1 on duty dispatchers Jonathan Sunderland and Kasey Conn. The texter had capsized his boat on the flooded Meramec River near the Sappington Bridge Access. The man had grabbed onto a pile of logs and debris, and had tried to call 9-1-1, but could not get enough cell service so sent the text message.
Dispatcher Sunderland messaged back and forth with the capsized boater and determined the need for an immediate water rescue. Supervisor Conn dispatched an ambulance, law enforcement, and 2 rescue boats. The dispatchers determined an exact location, sent assets to the scene, and reassured the boater that help was on the way. Sullivan Fire, with Bourbon Fire as a backup, performed a difficult maneuver in the swift waters, and rescued the man from the pile of floating debris. The City of Sullivan and Franklin County 9-1-1 Dispatchers were also notified. The texter was treated by Missouri Baptist Hospital emergency medical responders on the scene.
The nominator spoke with the man who was saved, as well as the fire chiefs involved. They said the quick actions of the dispatchers, as well as the Text- to-9-1-1 technology, contributed in the saving of a the man’s life. The Missouri Chapter of APCO is honored to recognize these public safety communications professionals as Missouri Teammates in Action!
Please note, text-to-9-1-1 is not available in all jurisdictions across Missouri. Check with your local 9-1-1 center before relying on this technology. Always remember to talk if you can, text if you can’t!