', 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. I don't know why you're freaking out.". 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. 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. UPDATE: FORT SMITH, Ark. Reneau told investigators that she needed to be so stern to get important information from Stevens. She told 911: "Please help me, I don't want to die! 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'. Rebecca Jane Stokesis a writer living in Brooklyn, New York with her cats, Batman and Margot. There were other factors that contributed to what went wrong. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. 'You're not going to die. 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. According to a news release from the Fort . Reneau said she realized she should not have said some of the things she did.. 4.54am: Police/fire report difficulty locating vehicle. 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? When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". Reneau faced no criminal charges in Stevens death. Story continues below. 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. "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. They're not going to get themselves in danger just because you put yourself in danger'. Thank you for your dedicated service Donna'! '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. 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. Here's what we know about Donna Reneau, the 911 call, and the fallout of her actions. Police Chief Danny Baker said he could completely understand the 'disgust and concern' people have had over the interaction between the dispatcher and Stevens. Fort Smith interim Police Chief Danny Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when Debra Stevens died. The. Example video title will go here for this video. She also stated that she liked the family-oriented atmosphere. Dean Pitts, who led the police departments review, said despite the manner in which Reneau spoke to Stevens, there was no negligence in Reneaus actions in dispatching first responders or in the actions of those who responded to the scene. Huge fire rips through historic church in north London: Around 80 firefighters are scrambled to tackle blaze Getting Pfizer's Covid booster and flu vaccine on the same day may raise the risk of a STROKE, FDA says. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' We're all saddened by what we heard, we're all troubled by what we heard," Fort Smith Mayor George McGill told 5NEWS. She's under water now.'. By Rebecca Jane Stokes Written on May 24, 2020. 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. 4.58am: Responders on scene advise all others to take alternate routes to the scene as main roads are blocked by 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. The Associated Press contributed. Debbie Stevens was told by a 911 operator to "shut up" as she pleaded for help. According to a news release from the Fort . She couldve been deemed to have broken human resource standards if shed still been an employee but nothing to merit a measure of discipline as strict as termination, Pitts wrote. So calm down.'. Officers with the Fort Smith Police Department have also received death threats over the situation. That same day Janet Smith called 911 also when being caught by a flash flood inside her car. 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Responders begin trying to get to vehicle, donning life vests and ropes. 4.54am: Police/fire report difficulty locating vehicle. Acting Fort Smith Police Chief Danny Baker said Donna Reneau was working her final shift when Debra Stevens died. "I've never had anything happen like this before. 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 . 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. Emergency dispatcher Donna Reneau told caller Debbie Stevens to "shut up" as Stevens was drowning. Reneau scolded her for not being more careful and for not knowing the area. 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! 'You're not going to die. When do the clocks change in 2023? 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. The 911 call was in EXCESS of 20 minutes. 2023byTango Publishing Corporation All Rights Reserved. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after putting in her two weeks . Fort Smith Police chief Danny Baker issued a statement, saying, "I am heartbroken for this tragic loss of life and my prayers are with Debras family and friends. 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. Sopranos star John Ventimiglia's daughter Odele dead at 25: Family is 'heartbroken' by her passing just Boris Johnson lands 500k advance for his eagerly-awaited memoir covering his time as Prime Minister. When asked what would better work conditions at the police department Reneau said she wanted to answer with a quote. ", Reneau also tells her at another point, "You're gonna have to shut up, OK?". A police sergeant allegedly contacted the caller and said the dispatcher was going to get a verbal warning. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. By 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. 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. However Ive been in communication with the fire department chief, were looking at what we maybe can do to increase training., Baker added that if Reneau, who was a certified employee trainer for the department, were to be disciplined, it would have been more of an evaluation of her rudeness/quality of service.. FORT SMITH, Ark. 5.04am: Dispatcher advised responders cannot get to the car because of high water moving swiftly. - 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. By the time rescue crews were able to secure the car, Stevens had drowned. 'I have worked at the FSPD for almost 5 yrs now and truly care about my job and the people I talk to on a daily basis', Reneau says. Thank you for your dedicated service Donna!. 'You're not going to die. Next time don't drive in the water." 5.16am: Rescue boat arrives and is launched. 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.. Reneau's interactions with Stevens made national news. ", 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. Police in Fort Smith, Arkansas have issued an apology after a state. The dispatcher hung up. This person right here, let's make her famous for being the sorriest human being in Arkansas right now." Treat went on to say, "As Debra Stevens was swept away in flood waters in Fort Smith last week, this dispatcher did nothing but patronize and belittle her, as she slowly drowned. 'They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. Congratulations to Donna Reneau for being selected as the Fire Dispatcher of the Year! Reneau faced no criminal charges in Stevens death. Debra Stevens repeatedly asked for help during the call, but was . An internal investigation concluded that operator Donna Reneau violated policy by being rude during an August call with Debbie Stevens shortly before her death, but she did nothing that would have warranted her termination, according to the Fort Smith Police Department. 5.02am: Responders report they have located the vehicle. (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. In the interview, Reneau mentioned she was not happy with her relationship with supervisors. When we are unsuccessful, it hurts.". - 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. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. The dispatcher then apologized to her while laughing, she stated. 'It's a tragic thing, I understand that. "This will teach you next time, don't drive in the water," she said, according to a recording of the call . ", 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. 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. She's an experienced generalist with a passion for lifestyle, geek news, pop culture, and true crime. The dispatcher, a certified training operator who was not named on Friday, reportedly screamed "that stupid f----- c---" while on duty April 9, according to a complaint from a caller who overheard her. 911 dispatcher who scolded drowning woman won't face charges - ABC News. She hasn't been charged with any crime. - 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. 'I have worked at the FSPD for almost 5 yrs now and truly care about my job and the people I talk to on a daily basis', Reneau says. called 911 on his parents for making him eat a salad. Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24 when she took the call from 47-year-old Debra Stevens, a newspaper delivery woman, who later drowned as her SUV was swept away by flash flooding. In the video above: Severe floodwaters hit Arkansas Watch the latest news and stream for free on 7plus >> But seven months later, she would become known for telling drowning woman Debra Stevens to "shut up". 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. Luke Kenton For Dailymail.com Stevens, 47, drowned as she begged Reneau to send someone to rescue her. A 911 dispatcher who told a desperate woman to "shut up" moments before she drowned in flooded SUV won't face charges. When first responders were finally able to reach Stevens and remove her from her car, she had already drowned. The call happened on Reneau's final shift. 'Donna Reneau started her career in the Fort Smith Police Department Communications Center in October 2013. 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. But, even when calm down is required, what 911 callers dont expect when theyre frantic for help is condescension and impatience from the operator, and certainly not during the last moments of their life. It is not clear if Stevens' 911 call was the last one she took. Reneau does not face any criminal charges in Stevens' death. Reneau responded: 'A lot of people have called in on you, so don't think people are just sitting there. This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. 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 water just didn't appear,' Reneau said. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' (KFSM) New information has been released about a former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher criticized for her interactions with a drowning woman. Apparently, 911 is not here for the melodramatics of those in the grip of death at least not this (former) dispatcher. 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. 'You're not the only one who has been stuck in the water. Until August 2019, Reneau had an extremely stressful job. Baker said Thursday that Donna Reneau was working her final shift Aug. 24, when Debra Stevens died. 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. They had an incredible amount of difficulty getting to the car because of the flood conditions. (Jamie Mitchell/The Southwest Times Record via AP) Time was running out for Debra Stevens. 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. A date has not been set for a memorial service for Stevens. 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She was also heard in the call telling Stevens to "shut up.". "Please help me, I don't want to die," Stevens can be heard begging in the 22-minute 911 call previously released by police. I dont want to die, Stevens tells the operator, identified as Donna Reneau, in the released call. He said the police department would be investigating its policies into responses and their dispatch center in the wake of Stevens' death. We've received your submission. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. 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. 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. Reneau had turned in her. Emily Crane For Dailymail.com Dispatcher Donna Reneau from the Fort Smith Police Department had given her two-weeks notice and was working her very last shift when 47-year-old Debra Stevens called in. "I don't see how you didn't see it, you had to go right over it, so.". Also exacerbating response and rescue efforts were the facts that Mrs. Stevens was having trouble describing her exact location and flooding limited the ability of first responders to reach her, said a press releaseissued by the police. Police acknowledged the 911 call sounded 'calloused and uncaring at times' but insisted that 'sincere efforts' were made to try and located Stevens. 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'. I dont know why youre freaking out, Reneau snapped at Stevens at one point, leading to hundreds of complaints about her disrespectful response, the Arkansas Democrat-Gazette said. 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. 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. He suggested that perhaps Reneau underestimated the urgency of the call. Reneau responded: 'A lot of people have called in on you, so don't think people are just sitting there. ', 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 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, at one point told Stevens to "shut up" during the horrific call, which was recorded and released after Stevens' untimely death. I dont want to die, she said. I don't know why you're freaking out. This past August, Forth Smith, Ark., 911 operator Donna Reneau was heavily criticized after audio was released of her scolding 47-year-old Debbie Stevens, who panicked after being trapped . "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. "She said, 'Please come help me, pull me out of the water, I'm stranded and I don't want to die today. Part of the Daily Mail, The Mail on Sunday & Metro Media Group. 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. 911 dispatcher, Donna Reneau, who was working her last shift after putting in her two weeks notice, is under fire for her "uncaring" response. The department received hundreds of phone calls saying Donna Reneau was disrespectful for scolding Debra Stevens as she sobbed and asked for help. All Rights Reserved. To leave an online tribute, visitwww.edwardsfuneralhome.com. 5NEWS has obtained an exit interview. 'Am I not on the phone with you trying to get you some help?' The water just didn't appear', Reneau said. Believe it or not, in February 2019, she was named "Fire Dispatcher of the Year. Debbie Stevens (left) drowned on Aug. 24 while being scolded by 911 dispatcher Donna Reneau. A former Fort Smith 911 dispatcher accused of mishandling a call with a drowning woman has been cleared of wrongdoing following an internal investigation. Her car had been swept . She was later found dead. 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. 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. He said this emphasizes the need for more telecommunication training. 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. 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A frantic Debbie Stevens sobbed as she was on the phone with an operator in Arkansas while she was trapped in a flash flood on the morning of Aug. 24. 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. "I've never had anything happen like this before. '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. She begged for the dispatcher to send help and said she was scared. 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