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. ', 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. Absolutely', he said. 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. 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. Operator Donna Reneau took that call at 4:38am. Did they find her? 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. 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. Third-shift supervisors do have a supervisor, but the supervisor works first-shift and Reneau said he was not available if dispatchers needed him. FORT SMITH, Ark. In December 2019, the police released their internal review on Reneau. They said the 911 operator had dispatched Fort Smith Fire and Police units to help her but it made it difficult because she couldn't describe her exact location. As Stevens began to panic, Reneau's responses . The dispatcher, Donna Reneau, repeatedly told a sobbing Ms. Stevens to calm down. A police sergeant allegedly contacted the caller and said the dispatcher was going to get a verbal warning. "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. 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. Donna Reneau, who had resigned and was working her final shift as a Fort Smith Police Department dispatcher, was the person to answer Stevens' call at 4.38am . Reneau faced no criminal charges in Stevens death. When first responders were finally able to reach Stevens and remove her from her car, she had already drowned. The first crews arrived on the scene about ten minutes later but had difficulty identifying Stevens exact location due to the high waters. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. The audio of the 911 call was. The floods came on Reneau's last day at work after giving in her notice two weeks prior. 4.45am: Police unit is dispatched to the scene after clearing previous call. They just weren't able to get to her on time,' Mitchell said. 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"Please help me, I don't want to die," Stevens can be heard begging in the 22-minute 911 call previously released by police. Ralph R. Ortega For Dailymail.com pic.twitter.com/gduzYnLada, Susan Morris (@SLMH93) August 30, 2019. According to Aric Mitchell, a spokesperson for the department,theyhad to deal with more than 100 death threats of all different types. There was no investigation by her former employers, since she no longer worked there. The comments below have not been moderated, By His parents should be apologizing for foisting a criminal like him upon American society. Please help me. A paper delivery woman who drove into a flooded area drowned after being reprimanded by a now-former 911 dispatcher. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. 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. Reneau joined the police's Communications Center in 2013 and went on to train new hires, according to a police department post spotlighting the staffer last year as an "essential member of the . 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. 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. I dont want to die, she repeated. Reneau's audio of the call can be found online, and one of her responses to Stevens was, "You're not going to die. Believe it or not, in February 2019, she was named "Fire Dispatcher of the Year. 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. 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. ", 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. "I do forgive her, even though it's hard," said Rebeca. 5 Debra's last moments were captured in a chilling 22-minute phone call Credit: Facebook Even in the edited version of the call, the 911 dispatcher who has been identified as Donna Reneau is noticeably condescending and irate. We would like to show you a description here but the site won't allow us. This petition starter stood up and took action. 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. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. She was later found dead. 'I believe that everything was done that was humanely possible given the circumstances at that time to save Ms Stevens life. 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. The content produced by YourTango is for informational and educational purposes only. Until August 2019, Reneau had an extremely stressful job. Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. 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. I don't know why you're freaking out. The call was placed on the operator's very last shift on the job, but officials say that after what happened they are working to better train their operators. Baker said 911 had been inundated with calls at the time from people who were also stranded in flood waters. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. 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. 5.00am: 911 call is disconnected between caller and dispatch. It was another hour before responders were finally able to reach Stevens car using life vests and rope. FORT SMITH, Ark. 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. 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. Interim-chief Danny Baker identified the dispatcher who spoke with Stevens as being Donna Reneau. She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". 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. 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'. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. 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. ", RELATED:Awful New Details Revealed About The Teen Who Died After Being Crushed In A Parked Minivan Despite Calling 911 Twice. She makes me sick. Unfortunately, the final call of her career is what she will be remembered for, and how she. Rebecca Jane Stokesis a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cats, Batman and Margot. By When do the clocks change in 2023? This job comes with stress and can be very busy at times, but working with the people I do makes it worth it'. I'm going to drown! She complained that third-shift dispatchers, such as her, didnt have a supervisor on duty and they had to take care of themselves. By the time rescue crews were able to secure the car, Stevens had drowned. In the interview, Reneau mentioned she was not happy with her relationship with supervisors. When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". Is there maybe things we need to look at in our response? Stressful start to National Offer Day? Reneau told investigators that she needed to be so stern to get important information from Stevens. ', 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. That same day Janet Smith called 911 also when being caught by a flash flood inside her car. Forget turnipsnow eat SQUIRREL! 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. Her emergency call appeared to annoy 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau, who decided to lecture Stevens. 4.41am: Fire department is dispatched to the scene. Debra Stevens repeatedly asked for help during the call, but was . She was not criminally charged in the death of 47-year-old Debra Stevens'. Stevens first called Diane when she became trapped. Did they find her? "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. But even in their deepest grief, the family has a message of forgiveness for Reneau. The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Donna Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Debra Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help. - 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. Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. "We all heard that. Reneau said, "The ability to help people in a time of an emergency." 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." 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. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. Meanwhile, the department's investigation into the matter is ongoing. She's a former 911 dispatcher who used to save lives with her calls daily. 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. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. In 2019, 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau mocked and told Debbie Stevens, who was trapped in her car and drowning from floodwaters, to "shut up.". Flamingos form CLIQUES with like-minded pals, study finds. Reneau could be heard telling Stevens to stop crying and calm down. She told 911: "Please help me, I don't want to die! Dispatcher begins gathering information. 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. ", "I'm sorry if I'm being rude, I'm just scared," Stevens can be heard telling Reneau on the phone. Luke Kenton For Dailymail.com 4.54am: Police/fire report difficulty locating vehicle. Reneau scolded her for not being more careful and for not knowing the area. 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. Published August 31, 2019. "I don't see how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it, so.". Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after previously resigning, answered Stevens call for help and at times she can be heard yelling at her before she drowns. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. Debbie Stevens (left) drowned on Aug. 24 while being scolded by 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. Tisane Hibiscus Mlisse Feuille De Mrier Bienfait, A date has not been set for a memorial service for Stevens. 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 under water now.'. Debra Stevens did die. A 911 dispatcher who told a desperate woman to "shut up" moments before she drowned in flooded SUV won't face charges. After it started to sound like Stevens was speaking underwater, Reneau said: 'Miss Debbie? Female carer who bit off part of a pub landlady's ear during vicious bar brawl is jailed for 14 months. 17 Posts - See Instagram photos and videos from 'donnareneau' hashtag Scotland's Quest For The Missing Remains Of Lilias Adie, An Accused Witch Who Killed Herself, The True Story Of Hattori Hanz: From 16th-Century Japan To Kill Bill, What Stephen Hawking Thinks Threatens Humankind The Most, 27 Raw Images Of When Punk Ruled New York, Join The All That's Interesting Weekly Dispatch. Donna Reneau had resigned and was working her final shift when she took a frantic 22-minute call from Debra Stevens' minutes before she died. 'To know you have helped someone that needed it gives you a great feeling. 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. They just weren't able to get to her on time, Mitchell said. Unfortunately, in the process, she got trapped by flash flooding. 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. An external investigation by an outside agency is also taking place. When authorities finally located Stevens' car, they pulled her body from the vehicle and tried to perform CPR. 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. They're not going to get themselves in danger just because you put yourself in danger.'. 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. 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? Reneau had resigned from the department prior to this incident, . Luke Kenton For Dailymail.com Reneau submitted her resignation before the incident happened and August 24th was her last day on . Stevens later drowned. The call happened on Reneau's final shift. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. 24/7 coverage of breaking news and live events. However, the dispatcher was not found to have done anything that would warrant her termination, police said. 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'. Bettering work conditions A 911 operator who lectured a drowning woman for accidentally driving into floodwaters and told her to shut up minutes before she died was once publicly lauded as a model employee by her superiors. 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. Her car had been swept . I dont think it would have risen to the level of terminating someone. 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. 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