Below are some stories of different dispatch scenarios that have been handled by a Columbia 9-1-1 staff. These stories were sent in by citizens involved with the situation. Please take a few minutes to look through these stories, you are sure to learn a little about the quality service provided by Columbia 9-1-1.
Click on image to left to see large copy of the Thank You from Tiger Cub Den #10
TO WHOM IT MAY CONCERN
I wanted to thank you for the prompt and efficient manner the way handled my call for help on Sunday, October 8, when I had a grass fire that could have been much worse had the Clatskanie Fire Department not responded so quickly.
I tried to beat the small fire out with a shovel, but could not keep up with it so had to quit before I had a heart attack. I live alone since my wife died, and I'm a 80 year old disabled veteran. So your fast action reassured me that help might get here in time at the time of other emergencies.
Thanks for doing a great job!
Sincerely,
Robert W. DeBuhr
From JR Frank
To Sally Jones
Wednesday, March 29, 2000
Just want to say Thanks for a job well done when your crew responded to my call about 4 weeks ago at my house. Thanks for the good work you do and for a job well done.
Read article from The Daily News, January 15, 2002 about a Columbia 9-1-1 dispatcher using a cell phone to find a teen trapped in a car. Click on the image to view a large copy.
July 12, 2001
Mr. Knowlton,
On June 27, 2001, my twenty-month-old daughter had a seizure in our home. Needless to say this was terrifying for my wife and myself. It became more frightening when she stopped breathing in my wife's arms for approximately twenty seconds while turning various shades of blue and gray. I was on the phone with one of your dispatchers, later identified as Debbie Gurlen. Needless to say I was in state of panic not knowing what was wrong with my daughter.
I am writing this letter to commend Ms. Gurlen on her obvious compassion and professionalism during this trying time for my family. My wife and I are both public employees and recognize that often our work is not appreciated or recognized as often as it should be. To Ms. Gurlen I just wanted to say THANK YOU. Ms. Gurlen was instrumental in keeping me calm and walking me through the initial stages of CPR.
After my daughter stopped breathing for approximately twenty seconds, Ms. Gurlen asked me if I knew CPR. I told her I did , and she told me to clear any blocked airway. I rolled my daughter on her side and tried to sweep the throat. This caused my daughter to vomit, which in turn got her breathing again, although very labored. Ms. Gurlen stayed on the line with me until the paramedics arrived and then professionally ended our conversation in order for me to talk with the paramedics.
Being an eight year veteran of the Portland Police Bureau, I have seen may gruesome and life threatening situations. However, when it happens to a loved one, particularly a helpless child it is something completely different. Ms. Gurlen's performance was exceptional and just as I would hope for when calling 911.
My daughter was diagnosed with a febrile seizure, caused by a rapid spike in temperature. She was diagnosed with strep throat earlier that day. She is doing fine with no ill effects. She even got a fashionable child sized hospital gown for her trouble. Please thank Ms. Gurlen on behalf of myself, my wife Tami, and especially my daughter, Madison.
Thank You
Matthew McDonald.
September 17, 2001
Columbia 911 Communications District
Sally Jones, Administrator
Dear Sally and the 9-1-1 Family:
During the last terrible week, I am sure that all Americans have had the opportunity to be reminded of the brave men and women who make up our "emergency system". All of us have seen the firemen and women rushing into buildings against the tidal wave of evacuees rushing out. We are humbly reminded of the missing police officers and lost members of the extended military families who serve out great country.
In our appreciation for these self-sacrificing citizens, we must also remember the calm, professional and capable voices on any 9-1-1 call; you and your statewide 9-1-1 colleagues are part of the team of public service professionals who keep us safe in the darkest hours.
Thank you for all you do; the care you take with distressed, hurt, and frightened callers, the professionalism you extend to all of us who have or will ever reach out to 9-1-1 in a time of crisis.
As a tangible recognition of you contributions to the citizens of our community, I have made a personal donation to the Columbia County Volunteers Firefighters in honor of the Columbia County 9-1-1 staff.
Sincerely
Betsy Johnson
State Representative
House of Representatives
Salem, Oregon