The 911 operator was at the center of a scandal after police in Arkansas released an audio recording where she tells the woman to «shut up» — just before she drowned.
The incident occurred on the morning of Saturday, August 24. Debra Stevens, 47, was delivering Newspapers for the Southwest Times Record, when her car was washed away heavy flood. Rescuers arrived only a hour. When Stevens pulled out of the car, she was already dead.
The Department has published a recording of the call Debra 911 shortly before his death, stressing that doing it with «great reluctance» and only because of numerous requests from the press.
Conversation Stevens Manager Donna moder ately begins at 4:38 am and lasts 22 minutes. The whole time Debra was crying and asking for help, repeating that he didn’t want to die and repeatedly apologizing when Intentionally demands that she calm down.
Fort Smith Police Department. Donna Reno
When in the ninth minute of the conversation Stevens asked me to send her some help, Renault says, «I Think I’m not here trying to help you? That’s enough».
«You will not die, do not understand what this hysteria. — she continues — I know the water level is high <…>, but Psiheya you will achieve only loss of oxygen, so calm down.»
When Stevens says that worries about the fact, will not break her new mobile phone, Reno demurs, outraged that she even cares about the phone, and when the woman asks will not light up whether the machine, responds irritably: «What? You are under water».
In the 10th minute Stevens apologizes to the Manager for «being rude», adding that has never been in a similar situation.
«Maybe next time you won’t enter directly into the water,» responds Reno, and when Debra tries to explain that just missed her, refuses to believe.
«Water doesn’t appear out of nowhere,» snarls Donna.
According to the chronology of events published by the police, emergency services arrived on the scene and began a search of Stevens at 4:50 — but couldn’t find her car, as Debra «was unable to explain his exact location,» and the flood «limited capabilities» of the rescuers.
All this time, Reno spoke to Stevens, saying that nothing terrible will happen, and did not show any special concern for woman that she can’t swim.
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On 19 minutes, Stevens tried to shout their location, what Reno said, «Miss Debbie, you need to shut up, okay?».
In the 22nd minute the call is dropped; hear Stevens screaming.
According to rescuers, the car Debra was able to find in 5:02, but then it took the lifeboat to get to her. The boat arrived only 5:16.
Facebook. Debra Stevens
At 5:58, nearly an hour and a half after a call to Stevens, it finally pulled out of the car — however, by the time she had «tragically died».
The audio recording caused a flurry of criticism of the Manager and its management in social networks, where a woman was criticized for «being rude» and «criminal» negligence.
«Disrespect and disregard with which they treated the victim, disgusting and sad. — wrote one of the commentators, This woman and her employers must take responsibility for what happened.»
The Department reported that Reno has filed a resignation shortly before the incident and call Stevens was one of her last. Police chief Danny Baker added that she is very upset about the incident. However, the actions of the Renault during the incident will not be investigated — as it no longer works at 911.
Friends and family describe Debra as a «loyal, loving, kind and sensitive» woman, ladiva well with children and who had dedicated herself to the work.
«She was an exemplary member of society, loyal to your friends, neighbors and serve God. — said the Director of the city Department Fort Smith Neil Martin, who knew Debra — If everyone worked as hard as it is, I think our city, state and country would be much better.»
