Governor Pat McCrory hosted North Carolina 911 Board members, public safety officials and first responders at the Executive Mansion today to recognize three Beaufort County 911 operators who saved a life.
"911 Operators are first responders that often don't get the attention they deserve for helping save lives everyday," Governor McCrory said. "We are determined to thank and support all first responders and public safety officials who help protect North Carolina families."
On June 9, 2016, Amelia Davidson was attending her grandson's 8th grade graduation ceremony when she started suffering from a severe headache and began exhibiting symptoms of a stroke. Over the phone, 911 telecommunicators Victoria VanNortwick, Will Caputo and Linwood McLawhorn determined the patient was in fact having a stroke. The operators communicated with the responding EMS and EMT crews, Beaufort County Sheriff's Office, and the Washington and Pantego Fire Departments so that all responding personnel were prepared. Governor McCrory presented the three 911 operators with an award from the North Carolina 911 Board and thanked them for their communication and teamwork which are credited with saving Davidson's life.
The North Carolina 911 Board supports 911 centers across North Carolina and is part of the governor's Department of Information Technology. The Board recognizes 911 telecommunicators each month for their service.