Kellie Parsons, Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Florida

On the evening of July 16, 2018, a despondent male, who wanted to harm himself, called 9-1-1 and PST Kellie Parsons answered.  The caller was hysterical and very difficult to understand, but Parsons learned the man had been drinking and wanted to hang himself.  He was on his third floor balcony and had already placed something around his neck.  For the next 41 minutes, Parsons used calming techniques and a reassuring tone of voice, and thus built a rapport with the man, eventually getting him to remove the cord from around his neck.  She continually redirected the caller’s attention and helped him focus on positive aspects of his life.

As deputies arrived, the man became emotional again and refused to leave his balcony.  Parson’s continued to stay on the line with him and with the assistance of deputies on scene, coaxed him inside where was secured and transported to receive the mental help he needed.  The man referred to Kellie that day as “his angel,” and said she was saving his life.

Public safety telecommunicators play a crucial role in achieving a successful resolution in situations like this. Kellie Parsons showed firsthand how the actions of 9-1-1 telecommunicators can result in lifesaving outcomes.

APCO International is proud to acknowledge PST Kellie Parsons for her efforts and thus recognize her as the first “Teammates in Action” recipient for her lifesaving work that night.

Nominate someone you know for the Teammates in Action recognition. Learn more.