Last Friday and Wednesday of this week, three dispatchers from Region One Radio Dispatch out of Lowell Post were honored both by the ISP and the APCO/NENA Association of Public Safety Communications and the National Emergency Number Association) for the arrest and bringing to a halt a carjacking that occurred June 28, 2014.
ISP Region One Supervisor Deana Minto, Regional Dispatchers Amanda “Mandy” Panfil-Gottardo and Diana Noble began receiving reports at approximately 4:30 a.m. of a personal injury crash on I-80/94 near the Illinois/Indiana state line. Dispatcher Panfil-Gottardo received a call from the driver of the car that was rear ended that he had exited his vehicle to check for injuries. While out of his car, the offending driver jumped into his vehicle and sped away with his 13 year old son inside the vehicle. Dispatcher Panfil-Gottardo wasted no time gathering crucial information that was immediately broadcast to area law enforcement. She asked the father if the son had a cell phone which he did. After several attempts she was able to make contact with the 13 year old son and was able to gain vehicle location. There was a high degree of coordination between the agencies to locate the vehicle. Regional Dispatch Manager Trevor Stevens lauded Dispatcher Panfil-Gottardo for her compassion and superior judgment in insuring the safety of the 13 year olds personal safety. After nearly 20 minutes ISP Major Jerry Williams apprehended the suspect without incident and the suspect was incarcerated for Driving Under the Influence. Stevens says “It was due to the quick actions of the dispatch staff that contributed to a positive outcome to reuniting the father with the son!”
The APCO/NENA awarded the dispatchers with the Teamwork Award. This award is given to individuals recognizing them for their outstanding service to the public. There were two other departments recognized for the work and a 911 Hero Award was presented at the ceremony. Congratulations to all the award recipients.
ISP also honored the three with a commendation awards last Friday. Superintendent Doug Carter along with Colonel Mark French awarded Deana Minto, Amanda “Mandy” Panfil-Gottardo and Diana Noble for their extraordinary conduct and exemplary professionalism on June 28, 2014.