Public Safety Telecommunicators play a key role in every emergency, whether that be efficiently questioning callers in order to obtain critical details in a timely manner or providing life-saving instructions to those who are in a place of crisis. Missouri APCO is pleased to recognize these emergency communications professionals for determining the severity of the situation, thinking on their feet and helping save this child’s life… all over the phone and radio.
The Missouri Chapter of the Association of Public Safety Communications Officials (MOAPCO) is pleased to recognize Communications Specialist Tonia Packard, Communications Specialist Kim Moore and Communications Specialist Trainee Kristen Perez of the Lee’s Summit Police Department as Missouri Teammates in Action!
On January 18, 2022, Lee’s Summit Police Department CMS Trainee Perez received a 9-1-1 call of a structure fire. She quickly transferred the caller to Lee’s Summit Fire Department Communications and emergency crews were dispatched. When law enforcement officers arrived at the scene, they determined there was a child trapped in the burning residence. They attempted to make entry but were driven back by the intense heat and smoke. They were unfortunately unable to get to the upstairs bedroom where the child was located.
At the same time, the trapped 10-year old child called 9-1-1. CMS Moore took the call and spoke with the child while CMS Packard updated Fire Department Communications on the situation. CMS Moore provided instructions enabling the child to remain alive until firefighters could arrive. When firefighters made entry, they could hear CMS Moore’s voice coming from the child’s cell phone speaker. They were able to find the little girl by following the voice of CMS Moore and rescued the child safely. Missouri APCO would like to express our appreciation to these communications life savers and recognize them as Missouri Teammates in Action.