Only four dispatchers were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were already out trying to rescue others. According to a news release from the Fort . "I've never had anything happen like this before. 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.. Donna Reneau worked her final shift as a 9-1-1 dispatcher that morning, having given her two-week notice already. 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. 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. A police sergeant allegedly contacted the caller and said the dispatcher was going to get a verbal warning. Reneau had turned in her. In the 911 recording . The Fort Smith Police Department and Fire Department's investigation likely means former Fort Smith dispatcher Donna Reneau will not face charges. Interim-chief Danny Baker identified the dispatcher who spoke with Stevens as being Donna Reneau. Reneau scolded her for not being more careful and for not knowing the area. No criminal investigation will happen. Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. 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. When asked, "What did you like most about your job?" Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? ", RELATED:Awful New Details Revealed About The Teen Who Died After Being Crushed In A Parked Minivan Despite Calling 911 Twice. The Fort Smith Police Department are sweeping this under the table and refusing to take any criminal action against their employee who failed to do her job and caused a death as a result. Absolutely', he said. Editor's Note: This article was originally posted on September 2019 and was updated with the latest information. Also exacerbating response and rescue efforts were the facts that Mrs. Stevens was having trouble describing her exact location and flooding limited the ability of first responders to reach her, said a press releaseissued by the police. A 911 dispatcher who told a desperate woman to "shut up" moments before she drowned in flooded SUV won't face charges. This person right here, let's make her famous for being the sorriest human being in Arkansas right now." Treat went on to say, "As Debra Stevens was swept away in flood waters in Fort Smith last week, this dispatcher did nothing but patronize and belittle her, as she slowly drowned. "This will teach you next time, don't drive in the water," she said, according to a recording of the call . Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? Stressful start to National Offer Day? Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. Did they find her? It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. I don't know why you're freaking out. The dispatcher then apologized to her while laughing, she stated. An internal investigation concluded that operator Donna Reneau violated policy by being rude during an August call with Debbie Stevens shortly before her death, but she did nothing that would have warranted her termination, according to the Fort Smith Police Department. They just weren't able to get to her on time,' Mitchell said. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". '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. Police Chief Danny Baker at the time said he could completely understand the 'disgust and concern' people have had over the interaction between the dispatcher and Stevens. Miss Debbie' before saying 'Oh my god. 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. Stevens screamed as the water level crept up inside her car, which was stranded in floodwater. The call happened on Reneau's final shift. When Stevens said she needed to vomit, Reneau hit back saying: 'Well you're in water, you can throw up it's not going to matter. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". 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. 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. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. pic.twitter.com/gduzYnLada, Susan Morris (@SLMH93) August 30, 2019. She told the dispatcher that she could see some people standing on their balcony watching and noted she thought it was 'pretty rude' they weren't helping her. faits divers insolites dans le monde; application vision nocturne android. 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. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it.. Her car had been swept . (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. Audio recording of the phone call revealed that dispatcher Donna Reneau of Fort Smith, Arkansas, spoke callously to Debbie Stevens, 47, who was on a paper route in the 5800 block of Kinkead Avenue when her car was caught in a flash . Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. accusations that she mishandled a call with a drowning woman, Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. 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. She's under water now'. 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. . Hopefully, the changes they make to their policies get them back in the good graces of the people. Hopefully through that, there will be enhanced training.. The. Published August 31, 2019. Only four dispatchers were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were already out trying to rescue others. The police departments deputy director of administration, Dean Pitts,wrote,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.. This story was reported from Cincinnati. - 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. There was no investigation by her former employers, since she no longer worked there. Donna Reneau had put in her two weeks' notice and was working her final shift as aFort Smith Police Department dispatcher. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. Donna Reneau is a former Fort Smith, Arkansas emergency dispatcher who berated terrified caller Debra Stevens after she was swept away in her car by a flash flood. Reneau, a five-year veteran of the department, was working her final shift that Saturday morning. Diskretiseringsfel kan vanligtvis minskas genom att anvnda ett mer fint frdelat gitter, med en kad b Reneau was on her last day as a 911 operator when the call was made, having turned in her notice two weeks earlier. 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. She hasn't been charged with any crime. 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. Ralph R. Ortega For Dailymail.com - 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. Do you really care about your brand-new phone? Reneau asked, Youre over there crying for your life. Then, when Stevens says that she is afraid that her car will explode because she sees smoke, Reneau responds, How? - 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. 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. 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. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. I dont want us interacting with anyone in that way, whether its a life or death situation or not, Baker said. 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. 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. I dont want to die, she said. She was not criminally charged in the death of 47-year-old Debra Stevens'. At one point, Stevens even apologized for 'being rude' to the dispatcher due to her constant pleas for help. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. 4.38am: 911 call received. Meanwhile, the department's investigation into the matter is ongoing. When you call 911, you aren't often worried about being Miss Manners. Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department have also received death threats over the situation. 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. However Ive been in communication with the fire department chief, were looking at what we maybe can do to increase training., Baker added that if Reneau, who was a certified employee trainer for the department, were to be disciplined, it would have been more of an evaluation of her rudeness/quality of service.. She intentional inflicted pain on another human being. See for yourself by trying this new quiz devised by cardiologists One in five teenage boys or their friends have been offered work supplying drugs by county lines gangs who Head over heels for Kate! 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." 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 worked in Fort Smith, Arkansas as a 911 dispatcher. When asked what would better work conditions at the police department Reneau said she wanted to answer with a quote. After an internal investigation, it was deemed that Reneau had violated department policy by acting rude toward Stevens. 17 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from 'donnareneau' hashtag 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. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. In fact, the evidence shows that while Operator Reneau spoke rudely to Mrs. Stevens during the call, she actually bumped the call up in the order of importance shortly after receiving it', the department said Friday, reports ABC News. 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. Flamingos form CLIQUES with like-minded pals, study finds. Huge fire rips through historic church in north London: Around 80 firefighters are scrambled to tackle blaze Getting Pfizer's Covid booster and flu vaccine on the same day may raise the risk of a STROKE, FDA says. The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, repeatedly told a sobbing Ms. Stevens to calm down. I don't know why you're freaking out. 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. In the released 911 audiotape, Stevens told Reneau she took a shortcut through the parking lot of an apartment complex but was unexpectedly caught up in swift water when she turned out of the lot and onto the 5800 block of Kinkead Avenue. Stevens asked Reneau if the police would take her home after she was rescued so she could care for her dogs. Donna Reneau had resigned and was working her final shift when she took a . Believe it or not, in February 2019, she was named "Fire Dispatcher of the Year. 'To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. . Dispatcher begins gathering information. A rescue boat was launched at 5:16 a.m. however, first responders werent able to reach Stevens until 5:58 a.m. Debbie Stevens, 47, called the. There were nine officers and four 911 dispatchers on duty at the time. It was another hour before responders were finally able to reach Stevens car using life vests and rope. Emily Crane For Dailymail.com When dealing with someone during a critical incident, particularly when the person is in hysterics, it is often necessary to take a stern or commanding tone, or to even raise ones voice, Pitts wrote, according to the Democrat-Gazette. 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. Stevens can be heard asking the dispatcher at one point in the call. 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. 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. Here's what we know about Donna Reneau, the 911 call, and the fallout of her actions. Authorities said that when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible. Police in Fort Smith, Arkansas have issued an apology after a state. 'No evidence of criminal negligence or activities on former Operator Reneau's part. RELATED: 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died. Who is Donna Reneau? Did they find her? 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. "The 911 call came in at 4:38 a.m. and was answered by Donna Reneau, who had previously turned in her two . "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. The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, at one point told Stevens to "shut up" during the horrific call, which was recorded and released after Stevens' untimely death. Stevens later drowned. So calm down'. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. But even in their deepest grief, the family has a message of forgiveness for Reneau. Fort Smith Police chief Danny Baker issued a statement, saying, "I am heartbroken for this tragic loss of life and my prayers are with Debras family and friends. Bettering work conditions I CANT BREATHE!, Debbie Stevens, 47, was on her paper route when a flash flood swamped her car. Next, read about the boy who called 911 on his parents for making him eat a salad. 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. 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. 06:54 GMT 23 Dec 2019 At one point, Stevens even apologized for 'being rude' to the dispatcher due to her constant pleas for help. They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. 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. 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. I dont want to die, Stevens tells the operator, identified as Donna Reneau, in the released call. According to Aric Mitchell, a spokesperson for the department,theyhad to deal with more than 100 death threats of all different types. 5NEWS has obtained an exit interview Donna Reneau had with the Fort Smith Police Department four days after the incident. 'You're not going to die. Did OJ Simpson's Son Jason Kill Nicole Brown & Ron Goldman? 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. 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. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. "You go ahead and start off the prayer, and I'll listen to you," Reneau responds. The face of #EVIL #donnareneau. 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. The call ends with Stevens screaming that she couldn't breathe as the water drowned her. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. She also said another reason for her leaving was she felt like there was no way to "move up" within the department. The 911 call was in EXCESS of 20 minutes. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. According to the news release, When first responders were finally able to reach Mrs. Stevens and extract her from the vehicle, she had tragically succumbed to drowning., Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker says the dispatcher that took the 911 of Debra Stevens is not employed with the city anymore. 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. Donna Reneau was working her last shift as a dispatcher for the Fort Smith Police Department on Aug. 24 when she received a call from Debra Stevens, according to KFTA-TV. When asked why she was leaving her position at the police department, Reneau said she wanted to return to school. ", "Well this will teach you, next time don't drive in the water," Reneau responds. 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. Feel like youre always looking at a screen? 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. Reneau was on her last day as a 911 operator when the call was made, having turned in her notice two weeks earlier. Debbie Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. Debra Stevens did die. 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. 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. Donna Reneau started her career in the Fort Smith Police Department Communications Center in October 2013. 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. ", Reneau also tells her at another point, "You're gonna have to shut up, OK?". They just weren't able to get to her on time, Mitchell said. ', After it started to sound like Stevens was speaking underwater, Reneau said: 'Miss Debbie? 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'. When Stevens explained that she hadnt seen the water coming before her car was swept up in it, Reneau made no attempt to mask her disbelief. Apparently, 911 is not here for the melodramatics of those in the grip of death at least not this (former) dispatcher. By Rebecca Jane Stokes Written on May 24, 2020. Fort Smith interim Police Chief Danny Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when Debra Stevens died. Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24, when Debra Stevens died. 911 dispatcher who scolded drowning woman won't face charges - ABC News. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. Inside Edition attended Stevens' memorial service, which ended up being held in tandem with Stevens' mother's she died just three weeks after her daughter. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. Reneau does not face any criminal charges in Stevens' death. Third-shift supervisors do have a supervisor, but the supervisor works first-shift and Reneau said he was not available if dispatchers needed him. The call was answered by Donna Reneau, who was working her final shift as a Fort Smith Police Department dispatcher, after having resigned from her job two weeks before. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' Story continues below. Arkansas 911 Dispatcher Tells Woman To 'Shut Up' As She Drowns To Death, Lauren Kanarek Shot By Olympian Michael Barisone, Called 911 While Her Fianc Held Him Down, Awful New Details Revealed About The Teen Who Died After Being Crushed In A Parked Minivan Despite Calling 911 Twice, Groom Invites His Nephews To His Wedding But Excludes Brother's Stepdaughter Her Mom Is Debating Whether To Attend, What Jon Hamm Says Changed His Mind About Marriage After Swearing It Off During His 18-Year Relationship With Jennifer Westfeldt, Man Insists Landlords Should Get Tipped By Tenants If They're Going To Tip Baristas, New Details About A Baby Who Was Accidentally Locked Inside A Hot Car And Why A 911 Operator Refused To Send Police To Help. The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her final shift after giving her notice two weeks earlier according to the Fort Smith Police Department, replied flippantly telling her. Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. "I do think that that played a big role in her death," Diane said. Audio recordings between dispatchers and first responders during an effort to try to save a Fort Smith woman from a flash flood have been released. We are looking at what we can do to increase training for our dispatchers, swift water rescues, and other things.. 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. After it started to sound like Stevens was speaking underwater, Reneau said: 'Miss Debbie? She was later found dead. "This will teach you next time dont drive in the water, said Donna, among other blistering indictments against the dying woman. She begged for the dispatcher to send help and said she was scared. 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. Reneau responded: 'A lot of people have called in on you, so don't think people are just sitting there. , updated 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. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. 4.54am: Police/fire report difficulty locating vehicle. Baker said 911 had been inundated with calls at the time from people who were also stranded in flood waters. Until August 2019, Reneau had an extremely stressful job. I dont want to die, she repeated. I'm horribly sorry that it wasn't possible.'. Thank you for your dedicated service Donna!. 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