5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. 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. Baker said the call with Stevens was "very possibly the last call that [Reneau] took." A former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher accused of mishandling a call with a drowning woman has been cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. Forget turnipsnow eat SQUIRREL! "I do forgive her, even though it's hard," said Rebeca. She had submitted her two-weeks' notice in early August. At one point, Stevens got frantic and had this exchange with the dispatcher. Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? By Here's what to do if it happens. ", Reneau also tells her at another point, "You're gonna have to shut up, OK?". "I do think that that played a big role in her death," Diane said. Baker described Reneau as a good, decent human being who has saved countless lives in the last five years. ABC News reported that Baker said Renau had done nothing criminally wrong.. 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. Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department have also received death threats over the situation. 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. Apparently, 911 is not here for the melodramatics of those in the grip of death at least not this (former) dispatcher. The dispatcher hung up. Reneau had submitted her resignation earlier in August and was on her last shift when Stevenss call came in. She was still genuine and sincere and kind and lovingand respectful.". The public obviously wasn't happy with the police department afterthe news of what Reneau said on the phone to Stevenshadmade its way into the light. A 911 operator who lectured a drowning woman for accidentally driving into rising floodwaters in Arkansas and told her to 'shut up' minutes before she died will not be facing charges after an internal investigation. Websites CRASH as hundreds of thousands of families find out today Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? 11 Strict Rules That Elon Musk Makes His Girlfriends & Wives Follow, Justin Bieber Suspected As The Father Of Kourtney Kardashian's Son Reign (Instead Of Scott Disick), Why Kate Moss Was 'Scared' & 'Couldn't Get Out Of Bed For Weeks' After Working With Mark Wahlberg. Oh Baby - two of FOX 5 DC's evening anchors announce they're pregnant. 'No evidence of criminal negligence or activities on former Operator Reneau's part. Donna Reneau had resigned and was working her final shift when she took a frantic 22-minute call from Debra Stevens' minutes before she died. Reneau had turned in her. 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'. 2023 FOX Television Stations, in the 22-minute 911 call previously released by police, 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died, President Biden visits Virginia to tout economic achievements, It's a Philly thing: Police will grease poles ahead of Eagles-49ers NFC Championship game, Bethesda-Chevy Chase area parents concerned over reports of men following children, MSG owner James Dolan threatens alcohol ban at MSG over facial recognition controversy, Drunk man mistakenly steals Tesla he confused for his own: police, Study ranks Virginia as best place to retire in America; Maryland as one of the worst, Over 200 Howard University students using GoFundMe to pay tuition, Armed serial carjackers captured behind DC restaurant's freezer after chase: police, Seniors scramble to graduate after PGCPS system error, Tanker truck carrying sewage overturns in Springfield. 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. She also said another reason for her leaving was she felt like there was no way to "move up" within the department. She begged for the dispatcher to send help and said she was scared. Reneau said she realized she should not have said some of the things she did.. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. Reneau, who had been a dispatcher . The manner that she spoke during this conversation would have probably been addressed, but it would have been more a rudeness quality-type service complaint. Newly released 911 audio reveals the final moments of an Arkansas newspaper delivery woman as she drowned in her car. In the video above: Severe floodwaters hit Arkansas Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >> But seven months later, she would become known for telling drowning woman Debra Stevens to "shut up". and The recording (edited to remove sensitive content) was released by the Fort Smith Police Department in an effort to remain as transparent as possible regarding events that transpired during Stevens failed rescue. A Fort Smith Police investigation into Debra . Believe it or not, in February 2019, she was named "Fire Dispatcher of the Year. According to a news release from the Fort . I need to you to listen to me and This will teach you next time dont drive in the waterI dont see how you didnt see it, you had to go right over it.. To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. 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. 'You're not going to die. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. 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. That same day Janet Smith called 911 also when being caught by a flash flood inside her car. By the time rescue crews were able to secure the car, Stevens had drowned. ", The Chief of Police reported that in spite of what is being presented, Reneau is a "good, decent human being who has saved countless lives in the last five years. Female carer who bit off part of a pub landlady's ear during vicious bar brawl is jailed for 14 months. "We'll get you help and get you out of there." 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. 4.38am: 911 call received. She also stated that she liked the family-oriented atmosphere. 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. Scotland's Quest For The Missing Remains Of Lilias Adie, An Accused Witch Who Killed Herself, The True Story Of Hattori Hanz: From 16th-Century Japan To Kill Bill, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. https://t.co/6w4OjW3sv2, Ali McGinnis (@AliRoland) August 31, 2019. Stevens called 911 . However, audio of the 911 call documenting the 22 minute exchange between Reneau and Stevens was released August 29, after the dispatcher and police department faced fierce criticism for how Steven's terrified pleas for help were responded to in her final moments. Reneau could be heard telling Stevens to stop crying and calm down. and Debra Stevens, 47, of Fort Smith, Arkansas, died after her SUV got stuck in a flash flood while she was delivering newspapers. When first responders were finally able to reach Stevens and remove her from her car, she had already drowned. Stevens, 47, drowned as she. (Jamie Mitchell/The Southwest Times Record via AP) Time was running out for Debra Stevens. "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. Fort Smith interim Police Chief Danny Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when Debra Stevens died. They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. Reneau also suggested dispatchers get a distress break after taking a high-stress call. This story was reported from Cincinnati. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Donna Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Debra Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. Authorities said that when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible. 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'. Reneau: "This will teach you next time don't drive in the water." Stevens: "Couldn't see it ma'am. 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. Im sorry maam, I didnt see it, she said. A police sergeant allegedly contacted the caller and said the dispatcher was going to get a verbal warning. This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it.. Meanwhile, the department's investigation into the matter is ongoing. RELATED: 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died. Stevens had been delivering newspapers in the early hours in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when she accidentally drove into rising flood waters that swept her SUV off the road. Inside the forest palace 'Putin shares with his gymnast lover and their secret children': Luxury estate My nightmare neighbours kept throwing condoms and rubbish in our garden - I took epic revenge and they never Seat swapping on planes is a hot topic - but what ARE the do's and don'ts? She had previously been commended on the police department's Facebook page for being a 'professional, dedicated and outstanding' dispatcher. She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime. So calm down.'. Now, herfamily is speaking out, telling Inside Edition they arefurious at the handling of her emergency. 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. In the report, Pitts wrote Reneaus actions wouldnt have merited being fired and that its often necessary to take a stern or commanding tone, or to even raise ones voice when dealing with someone who may be hysterical in a critical incident. Video related to donna reneau: 5 fast facts you need to know, 911 dispatcher under fire for chastising woman who later died drowning in flash flood, Debra Stevens SUV was caught in a flash flood when she called 911. For every one of us, saving lives is at the very core of who we are and why we do what we do. Who is Donna Reneau? Absolutely', he said. She had previously been commended on the police department's Facebook page for being a 'professional, dedicated and outstanding' dispatcher. Stevens eventually drowned. Would love your thoughts, please comment. That said, he believes it is just people lashing out because they are upset and thatthere isnt anything that would rise to a threat level of concern, as most appear to be from out-of-state and include no specificity.". Miss Debbie' before saying 'Oh my god. 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. 'Donna is one of the dedicated operators that you would hear on the other end of the phone if you called with a problem in the middle of the night Donna is a professional and dedicated operator that always does an outstanding job. FORT SMITH, Ark. 5.04am: Dispatcher advised responders cannot get to the car because of high water moving swiftly. Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. Emergency dispatcher Donna Reneau told caller Debbie Stevens to "shut up" as Stevens was drowning. He said the police department would be investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center in the wake of Stevens' death. 911 dispatcher who scolded drowning woman won't face charges - ABC News. Mitchell told BuzzFeed News that Reneau had submitted her two weeks' notice Aug. 9. When the team did arrive to save her, the flooding delayed their attempts to get to her:When first responders were finally able to reach Mrs. Stevens and extract her from the vehicle, she had tragically succumbed to drowning., Wait. did this guy Danny Baker just say that #Donnareneau has had to endure things as a dispatcher that no one should have to? 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. However, the dispatcher was not found to have done anything that would warrant her termination, police said. For five years, she worked as a 911 dispatcher and she was so good at her job that she was actually certified to help other people, too. Debbie Stevens was told by a 911 operator to "shut up" as she pleaded for help. Baker acknowledged Reneau would have faced disciplinary action if she still worked with the department but said he couldn't see anything that would have been cause for termination or a criminal investigation. Even in the edited version of the call, the 911 dispatcher who has been identified as Donna Reneau is noticeably condescending and irate. 2023 FOX Television Stations, in the 22-minute 911 call previously released by police, 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died, NFL owners to discuss Washington Commanders owner Dan Snyder at upcoming meeting: AP source, Elderly couple dead in possible murder-suicide in Fairfax County: police, Southeast triple shooting suspect identified by police, Wreckage of US Navy submarine from World War II found off Japans coast, U.S. She makes me sick. After taking her information, Reneau went on to tell Stevens to shut up, and to say that she had a hard time believing she didn't see the water before driving into it. Debbie Stevens, 47, who was trapped as floodwaters [] Marshals Service involved in fatal shooting in Southeast DC, Porsche carjacked at gunpoint in Dupont Circle: DC Police. The family of a woman who drowned while a 911 operator appeared to mock her say they are appalled by the handling of her emergency, but they forgive the operator. 11 Strict Rules That Elon Musk Makes His Girlfriends & Wives Follow, Justin Bieber Suspected As The Father Of Kourtney Kardashian's Son Reign (Instead Of Scott Disick), Why Kate Moss Was 'Scared' & 'Couldn't Get Out Of Bed For Weeks' After Working With Mark Wahlberg. Unfortunately, what she's going to be remembered for more than all the calls where she maybe actually helped people is one of the last calls of her career where she berated a drowning woman named Debra Stevens who called 911 for help after getting caught up in a flash flood. Reneau could be heard telling Stevens to stop crying and calm down. Donna Reneau worked her final shift as a 9-1-1 dispatcher that morning, having given her two-week notice already. The comments below have not been moderated, By Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. Miss Debbie' before saying 'Oh my god. U.S. FOX News. No criminal investigation will happen. Congratulations to Donna Reneau for being selected as the Fire Dispatcher of the Year! She begged for the dispatcher to send help and said she was scared. 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. 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's reply was chilling: "Well this will teach you, next time don't drive in the water." Minutes later, with the police still unable to locate the vehicle in the 4:00am darkness and the waste-deep flood, and with 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau still seemingly unaware of the urgency of the situation, the cell connection was lost. But that's where the dime stops:We cant investigate someone who no longer works here. We are no longer accepting comments on this article. Stevens repeatedly apologized to the dispatcher, saying she didn't even see the water before she drove into it and that she had never done anything like this before. It is so unfortunate that her entire career willbe defined by this single incident. Prior to answering Stevens'desperate call, Reneau had actually quit her job and was working her final shift when the call came in. I dont know why youre freaking out, Reneau snapped at Stevens at one point, leading to hundreds of complaints about her disrespectful response, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette said. FORT SMITH, Ark. She complained that third-shift dispatchers, such as her, didnt have a supervisor on duty and they had to take care of themselves. 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. 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. She's under water now.'. There were other factors that contributed to what went wrong. The water just didn't appear', Reneau said. 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. Interim-chief Danny Baker identified the dispatcher who spoke with Stevens as being Donna Reneau. Birds of a feather really DO flock together! The first crews arrived on the scene about ten minutes later but had difficulty identifying Stevens exact location due to the high waters. She intentional inflicted pain on another human being. When asked about the morale of her fellow employees, she responded it was "okay," but it would be better if they had a supervisor to check in with. Her car had been swept . Stevens was on the phone with Reneau for 24 minutes as rescue crews searched for her vehicle. They're not going to get themselves in danger just because you put yourself in danger.'. She says the vehicle is now moving in the water. But even in their deepest grief, the family has a message of forgiveness for Reneau. Stevens eventually drowned. 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. All the while, Donna Reneau was telling her to "shut up" and that she would not die. 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. All of our first responders who attempted to save Mrs. Stevens are distraught over the outcome. Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when she took the call from 47-year-old Debra Stevens, a newspaper delivery woman, who later drowned as her SUV was swept away by flash flooding. I dont want to die, she repeated. Youre not going to die. Debra Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. Dispatcher Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift because she was quitting, abused the poor woman. 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I'm going to drown! 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. An internal. 4.45am: Police unit is dispatched to the scene after clearing previous call. All Rights Reserved. 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. . 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 Feel like youre always looking at a screen? She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime. 'To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. "I've never had anything happen like this before. 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