By Angela Turner
The Times-Tribune
WHITLEY COUNTY, Ky. — The heroic efforts of a 4-year-old were recognized Tuesday evening during a meeting of the Whitley County Fiscal Court.
During the early morning hours of Sept. 25, Kimberly Behnen made the 911 call that her parents hoped she’d never have to make but had been educating her about for the past few years. Behnen’s mother, Tessa, has a medical condition and she has always made the education of 911 a priority in her family’s life.
That September morning, Behnen knew that her mother was in distress and did exactly what she was trained to do. Whitley County EMS Director Kelly Harrison said it was around 4:30 a.m. when dispatcher Dorman Patrick Jr. took the call from young Behnen.
Patrick dispatched Whitley County EMT’s Greg Penning and Doug Johnson to the residence of Behnen and her mother Tessa.
“You did one fantastic job,” Harrison said to 4-year-old Behnen Tuesday evening.
Harrison said it is very rare for dispatchers to receive a call from someone Behnen’s age. Harrison said she was moved by the child’s phone call from the moment Penning told her about it.
“I think this is so special,” Harrison added. “They (Behnen’s parents) are very smart. Teaching your children at such a small age is wonderful. She knew automatically that something was wrong with her mother and she picked up the phone and dialed 911.”
Whitley County Judge/Executive Pat White Jr. on behalf of the Whitley County Fiscal Court, Whitley County 911 and the Whitley County EMS presented Behnen with an Outstanding Hero award along with other gifts for her efforts. Behnen was also presented with a birthday card — she turns 5 today.
Behnen’s mother said by the time Whitley County EMS arrived, the young child had dressed herself and went and gathered her mother’s shoes.
“She had everything ready to go,” Tessa Behnen said.
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