By EMS1 Staff News
OGLE COUNTY, Ill. — A dispatcher was honored for helping a young girl who called 911 to report her unconscious mother.
Ogle County News reported that dispatcher Jennifer Hoffman was named Telecommunicator of the Year by Illinois Sheriff’s Association for talking Jaylee Armstrong, 5, through the situation when she called to report her mother had fallen unconscious.
Hoffman figured out what the family’s location was by asking Armstrong the color of her house and helping her find the address on a piece of mail.
When responders arrived at the home, they found Armstrong feeding her little brother and their mother, Christina O’Brien, conscious again.
Armstrong was recognized alongside Hoffman at a 911 Heroes event.
“The greatest thing about that entire event, in my opinion, was how many people immediately started training their kids on what specifically to do if they ever needed to call 911,” Hoffman said.
Hoffman added that all of her colleagues deserve recognition as well.
“They save lives every day. I’m really proud to work here, and proud of our team.”
Sheriff Brian VanVickle agreed with Hoffman and said he’s proud of the team.
“All of our employees do an outstanding job for the citizens in the community, and when you’re able to take an event like what [Hoffman] responded to, and put that on paper, and show recognition, that’s important,” VanVickle said. “It’s what they do day in and day out, and we’re lucky to be able to recognize [Hoffman].”