To promote emergency awareness in East Texas, ETCOG's 9-1-1 Emergency Services Division has launched a new Youth Recognition Program to honor young heroes between 3-12 years of age who successfully demonstrate the proper way to call 9-1-1. The program, named through a region-wide contest as 9-1-1 Angels in Action, recognizes youth who are able to call 9-1-1 in the event of an emergency and use it correctly by giving the location, telling the situation, and staying online with the dispatcher to aid in emergency response. ETCOG recognized its first 9-1-1 Angel in Action, Linsey Culver, on January 20, 2010, at the Van Zandt County Courthouse.
Linsey called 9-1-1 on June 25, 2009, after experiencing an emergency in her home. Around 10:15 p.m. Linsey's mother fell and hit her head. When Linsey found her mother unresponsive and bleeding from the head, she got paper towels to put pressure on the wound and dialed 9-1-1. While speaking with the dispatcher Linsey remained calm and told the dispatcher her address, what cars to look for in the driveway, and followed pre-arrival medical instructions. Linsey stayed on the phone until the police and EMS arrived and provided as much information as possible. Linsey’s actions were vital in getting her mother the emergency treatment she needed.
ETCOG is proud of this 9-1-1 Angel in Action and rewarded her bravery with an Engraved Scroll Award, certificate of achievement and other gift items at the courthouse recognition ceremony. Linsey was also honored by Judge Rhita Koches, Sheriff R.P. "Pat" Burnett, Jr. and State Representative Dan Flynn at the ceremony.