I would like to commend Duty Officer Sandra Sparby and Duty Officer Sherry Goude for their quick thinking and professional actions displayed regarding a situation that could have easily become tragic. The situation involved a subject who called and apparently was suicidal, upset, confused, angry or all of the aforementioned. Their professionalism and knowledge of what steps to take in a situation such as this should not go unnoticed.

On January 31, 2005, at 11:03 PM, while operating the Crestview console, Duty Officer Sandra E. Sparby received a call via telephone from a deranged individual that stated he was cutting himself with a razor. Duty Officer Sparby immediately took control of the situation by talking to the subject and calmed him by the use of conversation. Duty Officer a Sparby continued talking to the subject while at the same time getting his location, the reason he was doing this, and assuring him she would stay on the line to help him.

Duty Officer Sherry A. Goude, while operating the Pensacola console immediately dispatched Trooper William Smith, ID# 474, to the Santa Rosa Rest Area where the subject was located. At that same time, DOT Officer Joseph Emborsky, ID# D210, heard the transmissions go out and proceeded to the location as well. Duty Officer Goude also called the Escambia County Sheriffs Office and advised them of the situation who in turn advised they would send a Deputy as well as EMS personnel.

Duty Officer Sparby continued talking to the subject and by offering “comforting words” whereby she obtained the subjects name and date of birth. Within 2 minutes of dispatching the call, DOT Officer Emborsky arrived at the scene and took control of the subject until EMS arrived. Trooper Smith arrived approximately 14 minutes later to assist all parties involved.

A subsequent wanted persons check performed by Duty Officer Goude revealed the subject was wanted out of Lowndes County Georgia for a family offense. Escambia County Deputies took custody of the subject for the warrant(s) and EMS transported him to the hospital.

It is my observation that these two Duty Officers performed to the highest standards of their profession and through diligent efforts, may have saved a man’s life. Through these efforts a wanted man was also apprehended. Job well done!

From: DOS John Zappone