Two 911 dispatchers and two police officers are being recognized for their actions, which helped to save the life of a suicidal young woman.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service was notified by Waterloo region police on October 16 that a 21-year-old woman had posted suicidal statements on social media. Authorities were able to ping the woman’s phone, which provided a large radius for officers to focus on.
Using their experience and expertise, Emergency Communications Operators (ECO) Caitlyn Luno and Brook-Lyn Phelan worked through the cell carrier records and other sources to learn the woman’s address, the names of her family members, and eventually two possible vehicles owned by her father. Descriptions of the vehicles were provided to the officers involved in the search.
Both communications operators also plotted the ping radius and instructed officers to attend the Hwy 401 Service Centres within that area.
Constables Thomas Michaud and Jeremy Weedon responded to the area and, after a short time, located the suicidal woman who was in medical distress after ingesting a large amount of medication.
Paramedics were called to the scene and rushed the woman to the Chatham-Kent Health Alliance, where she was successfully treated.
“During this high-stress, dynamic situation, ECO Luno and ECO Phelan demonstrated exceptional professionalism and focus,” said CK Police Chief Kirk Earley in a commendation. “Their actions provided key information to Constables Michaud and Weedon which resulted in a quick and successful outcome that no doubt saved this 21-year-old female’s life.”
The two ECOs and two officers will be presented with a Chief’s Commendation during the next CK Police Services Board meeting on April 15.