November 20, 2008

CARY, NC – A Cary mother was having difficulty breathing when her six-year-old daughter, Grace Downen, remembered what to do and called 911 , and now Grace has been recognized with the Town of Cary’s first “I Knew What to Do” award.  Cary Police Chief Pat Bazemore presented the award to Grace during the Town Council’s regular meeting on Thursday, November 20.  Implemented in June 2007, the “I knew what to do” program is aimed at increasing the number of children who know when and how to call 911 by recognizing and rewarding Cary youth ages 13 and younger who do call 911 and assist telecommunicators during a life-threatening emergency with vital information.

On Wednesday, October 1, 2008 , at 7:03 p.m. , Grace called 911 and said that her mother was having difficulty breathing and needed an ambulance.  She provided her address, telephone number and important information about her mother’s condition.

On the 911 recording, Grace can be heard asking questions of her mother and taking instructions from the telecommunicator.  At one point, Grace follows the telecommunicator’s instructions and helps secure the pets in the house so that responders can safely enter the home.  Also during the call, she acknowledges that her mother and her kindergarten teacher taught her how to call 911.

“Grace’s quick thinking and ability to remain calm really helped our responders do their job and in turn, helped us better assist her mother,” said Chief Pat Bazemore.  “We strongly encourage parents to teach their children when and how to dial 911, as well as provide their address and phone number since, as was the case with Grace’s mother, a parent’s life can be in their children’s hands.” 

“I am very proud of my daughter, and it’s pleasing to know that the lessons we taught her paid off,” said Jennifer Downen, Grace’s mother.  Jennifer recovered from the incident and is doing fine.

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