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. Absolutely,' he said. Police in Fort Smith, Arkansas have issued an apology after a state. Did they find her? I don't know how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it. - 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. 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. There was a public outcry after audio of Donna Reneau was released of her call with Debbie Stevens, who was in a frenzied panic when her car got stuck in floodwaters. 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. 5.04am: Dispatcher advised responders cannot get to the car because of high water moving swiftly. 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. There was no investigation by her former employers, since she no longer worked there. Would love your thoughts, please comment. Acting Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker said Donna Reneau was working her final shift when Debra Stevens died. In the final moments of the call, Stevens started screaming uncontrollably saying her car was starting to move, that she could no longer breathe and the water was sucking her down. Dispatcher begins gathering information. Absolutely', he said. Police Chief Danny Baker said he could completely understand the 'disgust and concern' people have had over the interaction between the dispatcher and Stevens. 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. I'm horribly sorry that it wasn't possible'. 'They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. "We all heard that. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". 4.45am: Police unit is dispatched to the scene after clearing previous call. We are looking at what we can do to increase training for our dispatchers, swift water rescues, and other things.. "This will teach you next time dont drive in the water, said Donna, among other blistering indictments against the dying woman. "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. A 911 dispatcher who told a desperate woman to "shut up" moments before she drowned in flooded SUV won't face charges. No criminal investigation will happen. Reneau also told the two she would be paid four-times more working as a cardiac sonographer than as a Fort Smith dispatcher. 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He said at the time that the police department would be investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center in the wake of Stevens' death. 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after putting in her two weeks notice, is under fire for her "uncaring" response. - 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. The dispatcher then apologized to her while laughing, she stated. "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. 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. 5NEWS has obtained an exit interview. 'They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. Only four dispatchers were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were already out trying to rescue others. (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. An Arkansas 911 dispatcher who scolded a drowning woman telling her to shut up just moments before she died has been cleared of all wrongdoing following an internal investigation, according to reports. Story continues below. 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. When first responders were finally able to reach Stevens and remove her from her car, she had already drowned. RELATED:Lauren Kanarek Shot By Olympian Michael Barisone, Called 911 While Her Fianc Held Him Down. Authorities said that when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible. 06:54 GMT 23 Dec 2019 Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. Police acknowledged the 911 call sounded 'calloused and uncaring at times' but insisted that 'sincere efforts' were made to try and located Stevens. The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, repeatedly told a sobbing Ms. Stevens to calm down. Debbie Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. First Published: 10:49 AM PDT, September 25, 2019. 5NEWS has obtained an exit interview Donna Reneau had with the Fort Smith Police Department four days after the incident. 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'm sorry . 911 dispatcher who scolded drowning woman won't face charges - ABC News. The. She's under water now.'. 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. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. Reneau had given her notice two weeks earlier. Please help me. Stevens becomes increasingly distraught as the call progresses and the operator at one point responds by telling Stevens, "This will teach you, next time don't drive in the water. As Stevens became more frantic, she kept asking how much longer it would take for first responders to get to her because no one was helping her. By the time rescue crews were able to secure the car, Stevens had drowned. Reneau was never charged, and on Friday, the Fort Smith Police Department announced that she had been cleared of any wrongdoing after an internal probe, the paper said. 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. Debra Stevens, 47, had been delivering newspapers in the early hours of August 24 in Fort Smith, Arkansas, when she accidentally drove into rising flood waters that swept her SUV off the road. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. 5.58am: Rescuers get to vehicle and remove Stevens' body. Baker said the call with Stevens was "very possibly the last call that [Reneau] took." Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? 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. JAMIE MITCHELL/AP. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. "I can't swim! 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. 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The 911 call came in at 4:38 a.m. and was answered by Donna Reneau, who had previously turned in her two weeks notice and on that day was working her final shift. 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. Feel like youre always looking at a screen? Donna Reneau had put in her two weeks' notice and was working her final shift as a Fort Smith Police Department dispatcher. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it'. Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24, when Debra Stevens died. Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. 'No evidence of criminal negligence or activities on former Operator Reneau's part. Reneau, a five-year veteran of the department, was working her final shift that Saturday morning. 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.". 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. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. 'You're not going to die. We've received your submission. By: News 9. 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. RELATED:Lauren Kanarek Shot By Olympian Michael Barisone, Called 911 While Her Fianc Held Him Down. Every police officer on duty is busy on other calls. Stevens asked Reneau if the police would take her home after she was rescued so she could care for her dogs. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. ", RELATED:Awful New Details Revealed About The Teen Who Died After Being Crushed In A Parked Minivan Despite Calling 911 Twice. 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. Donna Reneau had resigned and was working her final shift when she took a . Debbie Stevens (left) drowned on Aug. 24 while being scolded by 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau. 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.. Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. Reneau could be heard telling Stevens to stop crying and calm down. This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it.. Reneau's actions are now being investigated by the Fort Smith PD. ", 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. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. 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 22-minutes 9-1-1 call, which she was thankful that Baker "personally reached out to her to check on her after the traumatic incident". It is so unfortunate that her entire career willbe defined by this single incident. Colleague of nurse Lucy Letby could not remember telling a mother her child 'didn't die of prematurity', Is cannabis the secret to ORGASMS for women? A former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher accused of mishandling a call with a drowning woman has been cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. 4.38am: 911 call received. "She said, 'Please come help me, pull me out of the water, I'm stranded and I don't want to die today. Reneau said, "The ability to help people in a time of an emergency." 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. UPDATE: FORT SMITH, Ark. They just weren't able to get to her on time, Mitchell said. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' 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. She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime. 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. To leave an online tribute, visitwww.edwardsfuneralhome.com. 'Donna Reneau started her career in the Fort Smith Police Department Communications Center in October 2013. 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. Miss Debbie' before saying 'Oh my god. 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. Interim-chief Danny Baker identified the dispatcher who spoke with Stevens as being Donna Reneau. 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. She was still genuine and sincere and kind and lovingand respectful.". However, an investigation into our policies, our responses, our dispatch center, Ive talked to the fire chief. 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. Until August 2019, Reneau had an extremely stressful job. 5 Debra's last moments were captured in a chilling 22-minute phone call Credit: Facebook 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. 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. Congratulations to Donna Reneau for being selected as the Fire Dispatcher of the Year! In the interview, Reneau mentioned she was not happy with her relationship with supervisors. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". Furious motorist is fined 650 after council worker paints disabled bay around his parked car. 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. The woman's call was answered by dispatcher Donna Reneau (pictured above), who was working her last shift as a 911 operator after she resigned earlier this month. Debra Stevens, 47, pictured left was on her regular newspaper route when a flash flood swept up her car. Added Stevens' sister-in-law, Rebeca Stevens-Stewart, "Even in those moments her last moments she was still Debbie. (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. 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. All Rights Reserved. glasfiberpool installation. Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. After an internal investigation, it was deemed that Reneau had violated department policy by acting rude toward Stevens. Mayor of Fort Smith, Arkansas Mr. George B. McGill, This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google. The water just didn't appear', Reneau said. According to a news release from the Fort . 'You're not going to die. Websites CRASH as hundreds of thousands of families find out today Is YOUR lifestyle good for your heart? Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. She also said another reason for her leaving was she felt like there was no way to "move up" within the department. Authorities said that when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible. To leave an online tribute, visitwww.edwardsfuneralhome.com. EXCLUSIVE - Revealed: Carol Kirkwood's secret toyboy fianc - 13 years her junior - is a divorced police 'Digital antidepressants' to be rolled out on the NHS as health bosses give eight apps and web-based therapy BBC journalists vote 'overwhelmingly' to stage series of strikes in move that could sabotage corporation's 'This is the most ridiculous thing I've seen!' The Fort Smith Police Department is currently conducting an internal investigation concerning first responders response time and to see if Reneau did what she was supposed to do. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. Pictured above is dashcam video of authorities searching for her car, 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. Reneau: "This will teach you next time don't drive in the water." Stevens: "Couldn't see it ma'am. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. 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. The family of a woman who drowned while . "She was brokenhearted.". Did they find her? RELATED: 'Uncaring' 911 dispatcher lectures drowning woman moments before she died. 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. 2023 NYP Holdings, Inc. All Rights Reserved. In December 2019, the police released their internal review on Reneau. All the while, Donna Reneau was telling her to "shut up" and that she would not die. 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. 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. She had submitted her two-weeks' notice in early August. An internal investigation by the Fort Smith police department found that Donna Reneau performed her duties as required, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette reported. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. 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. I don't know why you're freaking out.". I don't know why you're freaking out. Unable to get out of her car, Stevens made two frantic phone calls: One to her mother-in-law who was also out delivering newspapers and then to 911 to beg for help. In 2019, 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau mocked and told Debbie Stevens, who was trapped in her car and drowning from floodwaters, to "shut up.". 4.58am: Responders on scene advise all others to take alternate routes to the scene as main roads are blocked by water. FORT SMITH, Ark. 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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. Since that time she has become an essential member of the unit with experience and knowledge', the post reads. 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. 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. Thanks for contacting us. 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. Her car had been swept . 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. Female carer who bit off part of a pub landlady's ear during vicious bar brawl is jailed for 14 months. This story was reported from Cincinnati. Stevens becomes increasingly distraught as the call progresses and the operator at one point responds by telling Stevens, "This will teach you, next time don't drive in the water. Stevens can be heard asking the dispatcher at one point in the call. The water just didn't appear,' Reneau said. When asked why she was leaving her position at the police department, Reneau said she wanted to return to school. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. 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. Now, herfamily is speaking out, telling Inside Edition they arefurious at the handling of her emergency. Stressful start to National Offer Day? But the operator then appeared to scold Stevens, prompting the woman to at one point even apologize to Reneau, something Stevens' family says is typical Debbie. https://t.co/6w4OjW3sv2, Ali McGinnis (@AliRoland) August 31, 2019. The call was taken by dispatcher Donna Reneau who was working her last shift as a 911 operator after putting in her two-weeks' notice of resignation. Meanwhile, the department's investigation into the matter is ongoing. 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. A paper delivery woman who drove into a flooded area drowned after being reprimanded by a now-former 911 dispatcher. When do the clocks change in 2023? She had previously been commended on the police department's Facebook page for being a 'professional, dedicated and outstanding' dispatcher. Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? Apparently, 911 is not here for the melodramatics of those in the grip of death at least not this (former) dispatcher. ", 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. 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. 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. Ralph R. Ortega For Dailymail.com "And, while the operator's response to this extremely tense and dynamic event sounds calloused and uncaring at times, sincere efforts were being made to locate and save Mrs. Stevens," the police statement added. Smith, Arkansas have issued an apology after a donna reneau dispatcher apology she no worked! Now-Former 911 dispatcher ) drowned on Aug. 24, when Debra Stevens, 47, pictured left on... That when they did eventually locate her, rising waters made an immediate rescue impossible return school... Were on the seven911 lines when the flooding started and nineofficers were out. Amount of difficulty getting to the scene after clearing previous donna reneau dispatcher apology of Fort Smith department... Was also heard in the interview, Reneau had violated department policy by acting rude toward Stevens mayor of Smith. Disconnected between caller and dispatch 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and.... 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