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A 911 operator in Guilford County, North Carolina, is being praised for her quick thinking and composure that helped prevent an assault last month. Within seconds of the emergency call coming in, the operator realized the caller was in immediate danger. When the woman on the line said, “Why you got a gun pointed at me?” the operator went silent, carefully listening and gathering details without speaking to avoid alerting the suspect.
Emergency Communication Specialist Master Alexis Johnson says the operator collected key information through the open line, allowing dispatchers to pinpoint the location using RapidSOS, a tracking tool that narrows down caller coordinates. Johnson coordinated with the Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, which had units nearby and could respond quickly. Senior Shift Supervisor Kellie Zimmerman says that even small context clues from callers can make a crucial difference in such situations.
Officers reached the scene within minutes and arrested the suspect before the assault could occur. Zimmerman commended the call taker, who handles hundreds of calls a week, calling her “the foundation of 911” for her dedication and calm under pressure. The department credits teamwork and advanced technology for ensuring a lifesaving outcome that day.
Source: WXII 12