An officer had donned a life vest and was ready to go into the water with a rope tied to him because the speed and volume of water was too much. Debbie Stevens (left) drowned on Aug. 24 while being scolded by 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau. He said the police department would be investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center in the wake of Stevens' death. A frantic Debbie Stevens sobbed as she was on the phone with an operator in Arkansas while she was trapped in a flash flood on the morning of Aug. 24. Bettering work conditions - A former 911 dispatcher in Arkansas was cleared of any wrongdoing in how she handled a call in which she scolded a panicking woman for driving into floodwaters before she drowned. Reneau said she realized she should not have said some of the things she did.. Stevens can be heard asking the dispatcher at one point in the call. She also stated that she liked the family-oriented atmosphere. Reneau put in her two weeks notice before the woman's drowning, and. By Rebecca Jane Stokes Written on May 24, 2020. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. Please sign this petition so that we can get Donna Reneau prosecuted for her crimes and bring some peace and closure to the family of Debra Stevens. She was later found dead. Quoted as part of the post, Reneau brags about how much she values the work that she does and cares about those in need who call in for help. Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker revealed Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift on August 24 when she received a frantic call from Debra Stevens, 47, having given in her notice two weeks earlier. A date has not been set for a memorial service for Stevens. FORT SMITH, Ark. Ralph R. Ortega For Dailymail.com Donna Reneau had put in her two weeks' notice and was working her final shift as aFort Smith Police Department dispatcher. We call on Fort Smith Police Department and Fort Smith city officials to investigate and prosecute Donna Reneau for these crimes that led to this woman's death in failing to do her job. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. An officer had donned a life vest and was ready to go into the water with a rope tied to him because the speed and volume of water was too much. Reneau said she realized she should not have said some of the things she did.. "You go ahead and start off the prayer, and I'll listen to you," Reneau responds. Reneau was never charged, and on Friday, the Fort Smith Police Department announced that she had been cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal probe, the paper said. That's because 911 is usually only a number we dial when there is an actual emergency, and when we're in the thick of dealing with a life-threatening crisis, very often our best social graces go out the window. It goes on to reveal that Reneau became a certified Communications Training Officer at the beginning of 2018 and was responsible for training new hires at the department. Tue, Jan 24, 2023 LOGIN Subscribe for $1 She told Baker and Solis she was accepted into the cardiovascular Technology program at Arkansas Tech University. At one point, amid Stevens' cries and pleas for help, Reneau told her, "You're not gonna die, I don't know why you're freaking out Would love your thoughts, please comment. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she treated a drowning woman in her final moments could haunt her for the rest of her life. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. Donna Marie Reneau, who previously was 'dispatcher of the year' at the Fort Smith Police Department, resigned Aug. 23, the same day she scolded drowning victim Debra Stevens during a. Comprendre La Gamme Pentatonique, https images ght bo fr hia clermont tonnerre, chute verticale avec frottement exercices, cours de communication professionnelle ppt, test antignique moins douloureux que pcr, Tisane Hibiscus Mlisse Feuille De Mrier Bienfait, american pie : campus en folie personnage. So calm down'. Despite the manner in which Reneau spoke to Stevens, I can find no indication of negligence in Reneaus actions in dispatching first responders, nor in the actions of those who responded to the scene, wrote Dean Pitts, the police departments deputy director of administration, who led the internal review. 5 Debra's last moments were captured in a chilling 22-minute phone call Credit: Facebook Donna Reneau was working her final shift on August 24 when she received a frantic call from Debra Stevens, 47, having given in her notice two weeks earlier. She was still genuine and sincere and kind and lovingand respectful.". Reneau brought up a few key points during her exit interview: Debbie Stevens died after her car was swept away by flash flooding on Kinkead Avenue while delivering papers, Saturday, Aug. 24. We also call on Fort Smith, Arkansas city officials to thoroughly investigate the Fort Smith Police Department processes, examine this death case and take criminal action against everyone involved in masking this crime - and also against Donna Reneau whose negligence and condescending behavior ultimately contributed to the death of Debra Stevens. Only four dispatchers were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were already out trying to rescue others. During the 22-minute-long call at 4.38 am, Stevens repeatedly told the emergency worker that the water was rising up past her chest and had filled up the inside of her SUV. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. A paper delivery woman who drove into a flooded area drowned after being reprimanded by a now-former 911 dispatcher. Debra Stevens did die. Absolutely', he said. Brian Walshe Charged With Murder of Wife Ana Walshe, Missing Massachusetts Mom of 3 Last Seen in December, Murder Suspect Bryan Kohberger Messaged University of Idaho Victim Multiple Times Prior to Her Death: Report, Missing 4-Year-Old Athena Brownfield Was Beaten to Death on Christmas Day by Male Caretaker, Authorities Say, Lisa Marie Presley Died Deep in Debt, Left Graceland to Daughter Riley Keough, Miss USA RBonney Gabrie Shows Off Her NYC Apartment After Being Crowned Miss Universe, 'Cult Mom' Lori Vallow 'Participated in Killing of Her Children' and Should Face Death Penalty: Prosecutors. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". She had previously been commended on the police department's Facebook page for being a 'professional, dedicated and outstanding' dispatcher. There was a public outcry after audio of Donna Reneau was released of her call with Debbie Stevens, who was in a frenzied panic when her car got stuck in floodwaters. Pictured above is dashcam video of authorities searching for her car, Reneau could be heard telling the first responders searching for her: 'I'm on the phone with her now and she is legit freaking out. U.S. FOX News. At one point, Stevens even apologized for 'being rude' to the dispatcher due to her constant pleas for help. Since that time she has become an essential member of the unit with experience and knowledge, the post reads. Oh Baby - two of FOX 5 DC's evening anchors announce they're pregnant. When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". Since Reneau no longer works for the. 11K views 3 years ago August 24th Debra Stevens called 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau. Police spokesman Aric Mitchell said Friday that Reneau dispatched emergency personnel to find Stevens, 47, who'd driven into an apartment complex parking lot to try to avoid flooding. The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, repeatedly told a sobbing Ms. Stevens to calm down. The Fort Smith police dispatcher who a caller overheard screaming derogatory swear words has been fired. Donna Reneau, who had resigned and was working her final shift as a Fort Smith Police Department dispatcher, was the person to answer Stevens' call at 4.38am . Hopefully, the changes they make to their policies get them back in the good graces of the people. Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department have also received death threats over the situation. I don't know how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it. "I do forgive her, even though it's hard," said Rebeca. "I don't see how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it, so.". Donna Marie Reneau, who previously was dispatcher of the year at the Fort Smith Police Department, resigned Aug. 23, the same day she scolded drowning victim Debra Stevens during a 22-minutes 9-1-1 call, which she was thankful that Baker personally reached out to her to check on her after the traumatic incident. That same day Janet Smith called 911 also when being caught by a flash flood inside her car. Stevens repeatedly told the dispatcher that she was going to die because the water was rising up past her chest and had engulfed the inside of her SUV. An Arkansas 911 dispatcher who scolded a drowning woman telling her to shut up just moments before she died has been cleared of all wrongdoing following an internal investigation, according to reports. 'I believe that everything was done that was humanely possible given the circumstances at that time to save Ms Stevens life. An internal investigation by the Fort Smith police department found that Donna Reneau performed her duties as required, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. The Arkansas 911 dispatcher who scolded a woman crying on the phone before she drowned will not face criminal charges, an internal investigation ruled. FORT SMITH, Ark. Fort Smith dispatcher Donna Reneau sparked outrage in August after audio was released of her callous response to Debbie Stevens, 47, who was trapped in her car by floodwaters that eventually killed her. Debra Stevens, 47, had been delivering newspapers in the early hours of August 24 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when she accidentally drove into rising flood waters that swept her SUV off the road. I know the water level is high but you freaking out is doing nothing but losing your oxygen so calm down', Reneau said in the audio. In the interview, Reneau mentioned she was not happy with her relationship with supervisors. When asked why she was leaving her position at the police department, Reneau said she wanted to return to school. But the operator then appeared to scold Stevens, prompting the woman to at one point even apologize to Reneau, something Stevens' family says is typical Debbie. The Fort Smith Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation concerning first responders response time and to see if Reneau did what she was supposed to do. However, an investigation into our policies, our responses, our dispatch center, Ive talked to the fire chief. 5.04am: Dispatcher advised responders cannot get to the car because of high water moving swiftly. Donna Marie Reneau, who previously was 'dispatcher of the year' at the Fort Smith Police Department, resigned Aug. 23, the same day she scolded drowning victim Debra Stevens during a 22-minutes 9-1-1 call, which she was thankful that Baker "personally reached out to her to check on her after the traumatic incident". . 5.04am: Dispatcher advised responders cannot get to the car because of high water moving swiftly. Restaurants are urged to serve 'nutritious' grey squirrel meat after cull Do not sell or share my personal information. Baker said 911 had been inundated with calls at the time from people who were also stranded in flood waters. Mayor of Fort Smith, Arkansas Mr. George B. 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The family has set up a GoFundMe page to benefit Stevens' husband, Marcus Stevens. While Reneau's boss agreed that the way she spoke to Stevenswasn't ideal, he did admit that it wasn't so bad that he would ever have considered firing a dispatcher for it. 'Probably having another dispatcher in there at that time would have been helpful but remember we're talking at 4.30 in the morning so getting folks down there to assist with dispatch would have been difficult', Baker said. They said the 911 operator had dispatched Fort Smith Fire and Police units to help her but it made it difficult because she couldn't describe her exact location. Dispatcher Donna Reneau from the Fort Smith Police Department had given her two-weeks notice and was working her very last shift when 47-year-old Debra Stevens called in. Did they find her? The Associated Press contributed. (Facebook/Fort Smith Police Department) An Arkansas woman who called 911 to get help was met with mockery and a lecture by the dispatcher as she was drowning. Hopefully through that, there will be enhanced training.. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. Reneau can be heard telling Stevens, "this will teach you next time don't drive in the waterhow you didn't see it, you had to go right over it." Debbie Stevens, 47, who was trapped as floodwaters [] Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. Bettering work conditions . "I've never had anything happen like this before. She said she felt like those that worked the third shift never saw a supervisor, and when people on her shift attempted to call a supervisor, they did not answer. The woman's call was answered by dispatcher Donna Reneau (pictured above), who was working her last shift as a 911 operator after she resigned earlier this month. Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. "I sure will., Reneau, who was working her final shift after giving her notice two weeks notice, told Stevens that authorities will get there when they get there and that she's not going to die, at one point telling her to "shut up. Reneau had worked for the Fort Smith Police Department for five years, serving as a certified trainer for new employees, and was named fire dispatcher of the year in February, according to. According to a statement from the Fort Smith Police Department, the dispatcher, identified as Donna Reneau by local media, was working her last shift as a 911 dispatcher and dispatch trainer when she answered the call early Saturday morning. Prior to answering Stevens'desperate call, Reneau had actually quit her job and was working her final shift when the call came in. Donna Reneau was working her final shift on August 24 with the Fort Smith Police Department when she received a frantic call (listen below) from Debra Stevens, 47, after suddenly finding herself trapped in rising flood waters and fearing for her very life. Fort Smith interim Police Chief Danny Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when Debra Stevens died. Donna Reneau was working her final shift on August 24 when she received a frantic call from Debra Stevens, 47, having given in her notice two weeks earlier. UPDATE: FORT SMITH, Ark. iPhone users claim Apple is trying to TRICK them into Are YOU at risk of being cancelled? ', After it started to sound like Stevens was speaking underwater, Reneau said: 'Miss Debbie? 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. Police acknowledged the 911 call sounded 'calloused and uncaring at times' but insisted that 'sincere efforts' were made to try and located Stevens. Stevens explained on the call that she was trapped in her car and that the water flooding the interior was already up to her chest and to make matters worse, she couldn't swim. glasfiberpool installation. I dont think it would have risen to the level of terminating someone. Miss Debbie' before saying 'Oh my god. The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Donna Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Debra Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help. Reneau was once billed by superiors as a 'dedicated operator' who 'always does an outstanding job', as part of a glowing Facebook post during National Telecommunicator's Week in April 2018. Reneau also suggested dispatchers get a distress break after taking a high-stress call. Youre not going to die. 'I have worked at the FSPD for almost 5 yrs now and truly care about my job and the people I talk to on a daily basis', Reneau says. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. According to a news release from the Fort . Reneau had turned in her. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. Here's what to do if it happens. See additional information. Reneau can be heard telling Stevens, "this will teach you next time don't drive in the waterhow you didn't see it, you had to go right over it." A woman in Arkansas drowned in floodwaters shortly after getting on the phone with an emergency dispatcher who scolded her for driving during the storm. We are looking at what we can do to increase training for our dispatchers, swift water rescues, and other things.. Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. Authorities responded to the scene 12 minutes after Stevens dialed 911, but it took more than an hour to reach Stevens' vehicle because of the floodwaters. She was not criminally charged in the death of 47-year-old Debra Stevens'. Reneau had submitted her resignation earlier in August and was on her last shift when Stevenss call came in. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' As Stevens began to panic, Reneau's responses . There were nine officers and four 911 dispatchers on duty at the time. She regretted telling her she was not going to die most of all, but she also regretted not being more kind and understanding, the report stated. 4.54am: Police/fire report difficulty locating vehicle. Stevens, 47, drowned as she. Please help me. Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? Rebecca Jane Stokesis a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cats, Batman and Margot. Police acknowledged the 911 call sounded 'calloused and uncaring at times' but insisted that 'sincere efforts' were made to try and located Stevens. In 2019, 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau mocked and told Debbie Stevens, who was trapped in her car and drowning from floodwaters, to "shut up.". However, she was once billed by superiors as a dedicated operator who always does an outstanding job, as part of a glowing Facebook post during National Telecommunicators Week in April 2018. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. But what we want to do is not lose sight of the fact first responders were dispatched, the call was bumped in priority, and as much effort was done by our first responders to get to her," Fort Smith City Administrator Carl Geffken said. The views expressed in the contents above are those of our users and do not necessarily reflect the views of MailOnline. - A former 911 dispatcher in Arkansas was cleared of any wrongdoing in how she handled a call in which she scolded a panicking woman for driving into floodwaters before she drowned. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. Baker said 911 had been inundated with calls at the time from people who were also stranded in flood waters. accusations that she mishandled a call with a drowning woman, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. Absolutely', he said. On August 24, Stevens called 911 at 4:38 a.m. and told Reneau shed been delivering newspapers for the Southwest Times Record when a flash flood washed her SUV off the road. Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. Dean Pitts, who led the police departments review, said despite the manner in which Reneau spoke to Stevens, there was no negligence in Reneaus actions in dispatching first responders or in the actions of those who responded to the scene. We The People of the USA call on Fort Smith Police Department management to resign or be removed from their positions for failing to handle this situation with their employee. - A former 911 dispatcher in Arkansas was cleared of any wrongdoing in how she handled a call in which she scolded a panicking woman for driving into floodwaters before she drowned. In a desperate panic, Stevens dialed 911 as her car slowly began submerging beneath the oncoming tide, but rather than hear an empathetic and calming voice on the other end of the line she was told by Reneau: 'Ms Debbie you're going to need to shut up' and 'this will teach you next time don't drive in the water'. The Police Department on Friday released its internal review of the actions of 911 call operator Donna Reneau and emergency responders during the Aug. 24 drowning of Debra Stevens, a newspaper. But Reneau's handling of the dying woman's call has opened a . By She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. The dispatcher hung up. To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. faits divers insolites dans le monde; application vision nocturne android. Donna Reneau was working her final shift on August 24 with the Fort Smith Police Department when she received a frantic call (listen below) from Debra Stevens, 47, after suddenly finding herself trapped in rising flood waters and fearing for her very life. Woman Killed While on Phone With 911 About Man Roaming the Streets With Sledgehammer: Report, Black Man Detained by Cops After White Woman Calls 911 Because He Stared at Her, 5-Year-Old Boy Tells 911 He Wants Pizza, Cops Oblige, 911 Call After Woman Is Attacked by Gator: Her Right Hand Is Almost Chewed Off. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. Debra Stevens repeatedly asked for help during the call, but was . Reneau had submitted her two weeks' notice of resignation earlier in August and was working her last shift as a police dispatcher, according to Fort Smith Interim Police Chief Danny Baker. Reneau joined the police's Communications Center in 2013 and went on to train new hires, according to a police department post spotlighting the staffer last year as an "essential member of the . ", "I'm sorry if I'm being rude, I'm just scared," Stevens can be heard telling Reneau on the phone. (P. "Will you pray with me?" She says the vehicle is now moving in the water'. By: News 9. An external investigation by an outside agency is also taking place. Stevens had been delivering newspapers in the early hours in Fort Smith when she accidentally drove into rising flood waters that swept her SUV off the road. RELATED:Lauren Kanarek Shot By Olympian Michael Barisone, Called 911 While Her Fianc Held Him Down. Forget turnipsnow eat SQUIRREL! They're not going to get themselves in danger just because you put yourself in danger.'. Once Stevens called 911 after she got stuck in her car, she was met with an unsympathetic dispatcher who scolded her multiple times even in her final moments of life. "I can't swim! Stevens called 911 before her death, and Reneau answered her call. Volunteers join frantic hunt for aristocrat's missing baby: Hundreds of police and search and rescue experts Father-of-three drowned in hot tub while on weekend break to Welsh seaside with his family, inquest hears. Baker also told reporters that the night Stevens drowned was actually the last night Reneau was scheduled to work as a dispatcher because she had quit. We call for the investigation and criminal prosecution of Donna Reneau for her crimes of negligence and ignoring this woman's pleas for help as she drowned in her vehicle in the flood waters. JAMIE MITCHELL/AP. I'm horribly sorry that it wasn't possible'. Police said the 911 operator had dispatched Fort Smith Fire and Police units to help Stevens but it made it difficult because she couldn't describe her exact location. Did they find her? Newly released 911 audio reveals the final moments of an Arkansas newspaper delivery woman as she drowned in her car. Officers with the Fort Smith police dispatcher who donna reneau dispatcher apology to save lives with cats... Paper delivery woman as she sobbed and asked for help day Janet Smith 911! Repeatedly asked for help during the call came in wake of Stevens '.. Site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google oh Baby - two of FOX 5 's! Been fired telling Stevens to calm down the unit with experience and knowledge, Arkansas! Newly released 911 audio reveals the final call of her career is what will. You at risk of being cancelled investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center, talked... 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