Barry Central Dispatch 911 dispatcher Erik Godbey was recognized for his outstanding effort to aid a citizen using Smart911, the county’s enhanced 911 service. Director Phyllis Fuller presented Godbey with the ‘SmartSave Award,’ that honors 911 dispatchers for dedication and excellence while responding to a citizen emergency.
On June 1, Godbey received an abandoned 9-1-1 call from a mobile phone. When his attempt to call back went to voice mail, he texted the caller through Smart911Chat. After minutes of silence, the caller responded and confirmed that she needed help. She said her husband had been drinking and was becoming violent. When Godbey asked if he could try calling again, she insisted they continue communicating via text for her safety.
The 911 team, Michelle James, Kristina Beach, Scott Putnam and Godbey worked together to get the woman’s location, and deputies were immediately dispatched to the scene and removed the intoxicated man from the home.
“This is a great example of how Smart911 delivers more tools to ensure residents are getting the help they need.” Fuller said. “The ability to use Smart911 helped in two ways, first to provide location information quickly, and second, to gain knowledge as the situation progressed so officers responding were aware the male subject could be easily agitated.”
The entire 9-1-1 team will be treated to a pizza party on July 22, courtesy of Smart911.
Smart911 is a national service available to all residents and travelers in Barry County that provides the option to create a free Safety Profile for one’s household, including any information they want 9-1-1 and first responders to have in the event of an emergency.
Their profile will immediately display on a 9-1-1 dispatcher’s screen if the individual makes an emergency call. Residents are encouraged to create a free Safety Profile at www.Smart911.com. The information is kept private and secure, and becomes available only to emergency responders when 9-1-1 is dialed.
Photo (top) Dispatcher Erik Godbey.
Photo (bottom) The 911 team, from left, dispatchers Kristina Beach, Michelle James, Godbey and Scott Putnam.
