'You're not going to 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. She was not criminally charged in the death of 47-year-old Debra Stevens'. She was later found dead. Reneau responded: 'A lot of people have called in on you, so don't think people are just sitting there. I don't know why you're freaking out.". When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". There were nine officers and four 911 dispatchers on duty at the time. So calm down'. They're not going to get themselves in danger just because you put yourself in danger'. Our website services, content and products are not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment. She begged for the dispatcher to send help and said she was scared. Reneau could be heard telling Stevens to stop crying and calm down. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. However, audio of the 911 call documenting the 22 minute exchange between Reneau and Stevens was released August 22, after the dispatcher and police department faced fierce criticism for how Stevens terrified pleas for help were responded to in her final moments. It is so unfortunate that her entire career willbe defined by this single incident. 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. 'Donna Reneau started her career in the Fort Smith Police Department Communications Center in October 2013. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. Until August 2019, Reneau had an extremely stressful job. She says the vehicle is now moving in the water. 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. Absolutely,' he said. DONNA RENEAU. All of our first responders who attempted to save Mrs. Stevens are distraught over the outcome. Stevens was on the phone with Reneau for 24 minutes as rescue crews searched for her vehicle. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. His parents should be apologizing for foisting a criminal like him upon American society. 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. According to Aric Mitchell, a spokesperson for the department,theyhad to deal with more than 100 death threats of all different types. 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.. A paper delivery woman who drove into a flooded area drowned after being reprimanded by a now-former 911 dispatcher. By Luke Kenton and Emily Crane For Dailymail.com, Published: 16:27 GMT, 31 August 2019 | Updated: 06:41 GMT, 23 December 2019. Since that time she has become an essential member of the unit with experience and knowledge', the post reads. She had previously been commended on the police department's Facebook page for being a 'professional, dedicated and outstanding' dispatcher. 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Editor's Note: This article was originally posted on September 2019 and was updated with the latest information. 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, 47, drowned as she begged Reneau to send someone to rescue her. In December 2019, the police released their internal review on Reneau. 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. I dont want to die, Stevens tells the operator, identified as Donna Reneau, in the released call. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. 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. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. Prince William and Kate Middleton are 'likely to join Britain's biggest charities in volunteering during the EPHRAIM HARDCASTLE: King's museum plan for Buckingham Palace. 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. "We'll get you help and get you out of there." He needs to be fired. 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. So now he is demanding an apology. 911 dispatcher who scolded drowning woman won't face charges - ABC News. She also said another reason for her leaving was she felt like there was no way to "move up" within the department. The comments below have not been moderated, By There were other factors that contributed to what went wrong. 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. Here's what we know about Donna Reneau, the 911 call, and the fallout of her actions. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. She complained that third-shift dispatchers, such as her, didnt have a supervisor on duty and they had to take care of themselves. 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. I'm sorry . At one point, Stevens got frantic and had this exchange with the dispatcher. While clearing Reneau, the investigation called for an overhaul of how 911 operators are hired and trained, the paper said. Unfortunately, thats what happened to 47-year-old Debra Stevens when she and her car were swept away in a flash flood that had taken over the streets of Fort Smith, Arkansas on August 24. (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. Dispatcher begins gathering information. Baker ordered the review even though the caller chose not to file a formal complaint against the dispatcher, according to a Fort Smith Police Department news release. ", The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help and for telling her this will teach you next time dont drive in the water., Debra Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. 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. After an internal investigation, it was deemed that Reneau had violated department policy by acting rude toward Stevens. The dispatcher then apologized to her while laughing, she stated. ', Reneau, who had been a dispatcher for five years with the department, could be heard telling Stevens to stop and calm down repeatedly throughout the call. 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. "The 911 call came in at 4:38 a.m. and was answered by Donna Reneau, who had previously turned in her two . pic.twitter.com/gduzYnLada, Susan Morris (@SLMH93) August 30, 2019. Stevens, 47, drowned as she. At one point, Stevens even apologized for 'being rude' to the dispatcher due to her constant pleas for help. This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it.. Stevens asked Reneau if the police would take her home after she was rescued so she could care for her dogs. The horrific 911 audio has revealed Donna Reneau lecturing the distraught woman who feared for her life after driving into flood waters and telling her to 'shut up' in the . Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. 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. I dont know these people, but I do know evil when I hear it, one user commented. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. "I'm scared. An internal investigation by the Fort Smith police department found that Donna Reneau performed her duties as required, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. I don't know why you're freaking out. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. 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. 'You're not going to die. 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. 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. 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. 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. A 911 dispatcher who told a desperate woman to "shut up" moments before she drowned in flooded SUV won't face charges. I'm going to drown!" 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. By: News 9. 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working . "The 911 call came in at 4:38 a.m. and was answered by Donna Reneau, who had previously turned in her two . 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after putting in her two weeks notice, is under fire for her "uncaring" response. Reneau had resigned from the department prior to this incident, . 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.". "She called her for help and that's the only reason she called her, was for help," Stevens' mother-in-law, Diane Primm-Smith, told Inside Edition. 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 could be heard telling the first responders searching for her: 'I'm on the phone with her now and she is legit freaking out. She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime. A date has not been set for a memorial service for Stevens. 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. ', Stevens eventually asked the dispatcher to pray with her while she waited for first responders to arrive and Reneau replied: 'You go ahead and start the prayer. Girl, 2, looks star-struck as she presents Kate with a gift of Daffodils for St David's Mike Tindall's latest money-making scheme! A police sergeant allegedly contacted the caller and said the dispatcher was going to get a verbal warning. She worked in Fort Smith, Arkansas as a 911 dispatcher. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. Stevens later drowned. 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after putting in her two weeks . Debra Stevens did die. 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. (Facebook/Fort Smith Police Department) An emergency dispatcher who told a drowning woman to "shut up" and callously yelled at her before she died has been reportedly cleared of any wrongdoing. '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. A former Arkansas 911 dispatcher was cleared of wrongdoing following accusations that she mishandled a call with a drowning woman and told her to "shut up" just moments before she died. When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". 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! I don't know how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it. Hopefully through that, there will be enhanced training.. 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. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. "I do forgive her, even though it's hard," said Rebeca. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. Thank you for your dedicated service Donna'! He said the police department would be investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center in the wake of Stevens' death. Reneau submitted her resignation before the incident happened and August 24th was her last day on . jorge ghosn wikipdia; rver que sa belle soeur est enceinte; era immobilier olho Dispatcher Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift because she was quitting, abused the poor woman. We're all saddened by what we heard, we're all troubled by what we heard," Fort Smith Mayor George McGill told 5NEWS. RELATED: 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died. Then, learn about Darlie Routier, the woman who may have murdered her sons and used her 911 call to establish her cover story. 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. Stevens screamed as the water level crept up inside her car, which was stranded in floodwater. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. FORT SMITH, Ark. She's under water now.'. Oh Baby - two of FOX 5 DC's evening anchors announce they're pregnant. Since Reneau no longer works for the. By the time rescue crews were able to secure the car, Stevens had drowned. Disturbing audio found that Donna Reneau, a dispatcher for Arkansas police, gave Debbie Stevens a spray over the phone, as she desperately begged for help after driving into an apartment complex parking lot to try to avoid flooding. Next, read about the boy who called 911 on his parents for making him eat a salad. 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. A Fort Smith Police investigation into Debra . Ralph R. Ortega For Dailymail.com 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' Reneau's audio of the call can be found online, and one of her responses to Stevens was, "You're not going to die. 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. All the while, Donna Reneau was telling her to "shut up" and that she would not die. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". Only four dispatchers were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were already out trying to rescue others. Congratulations to Donna Reneau for being selected as the Fire Dispatcher of the Year! We are no longer accepting comments on this article. 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. 'To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. Debbie Stevens, 47, who was trapped as floodwaters [] ", The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help and for telling her this will teach you next time dont drive in the water., Debra Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. Stressful start to National Offer Day? Baker said 911 had been inundated with calls at the time from people who were also stranded in flood waters. 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.. She's under water now'. Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. Authorities said that when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible. 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. A 911 dispatcher in Arkansas who was recorded berating a woman as she drowned in August was cleared of all wrongdoing in a recently-completed internal review. 911 call, and true crime constant pleas for help the urgency of call! Informational and educational purposes only 4.58am: responders on scene advise all others to take routes! Perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call telling Stevens to `` move up '' the. Helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions a... Moderated, by there were nine officers and four 911 dispatchers on duty at the time people! And four 911 dispatchers on duty and they had to take alternate routes to the to! Her actions that contributed to what went wrong is now moving in the of... 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