AUSTIN, Texas (August 1, 2024) - FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE – RapidDeploy, the leading cloud-native solution provider for public safety, is proud to honor 911 telecommunicator Ashley Willis with the prestigious RapidDeploy Superstar Award for her use of RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology to save a life.
On May 1, 2023, Ashley Willis(previously Rodriguez) received a 911 call that appeared as a “signal” onRapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping technology. The signal indicated a 911 call that was immediately dropped. With access to the precise caller location on her 911 agency’s primary call-taking map, Radius Mapping, Ashley quickly sent officers to the location of the dropped call while simultaneously calling the number back. Despite no answer to her call back attempt, her rapid response to the situation resulted in responding officers saving the caller, a 7-month pregnant victim of domestic violence. The timely intervention led to the arrest of the suspect and ensured the safety of the victim.
“Ashley Willis demonstrated extraordinary dedication and quick action during a critical moment,” said Steve Raucher, RapidDeploy CEO and co-founder. “We are proud to honor her life-saving actions and commitment to public safety, which speaks to the heart and mission of RapidDeploy and all first responders.”
RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping technology empowers telecommunicators with advanced tools, including access to precise caller locations, the ability to initiate video calls, and text messaging with callers. The advanced location precision capability of Radius Mapping played a critical role in providing critical technology to the Indialantic Police Department during this incident, enabling the first responder to coordinate resources quickly and deliver life-saving assistance.
While most dropped 911 calls do not indicate an emergency, Willis noticed the disconnected call on her screen and took swift action. "I’m constantly checking my screens and my maps, and I am so thankful I was able to see the call location. This time it really mattered, and I was able to help," said Willis.
The Superstar Award reflects RapidDeploy's ongoing commitment to recognize first responders' extraordinary efforts and highlight the impact of innovative technology on emergency response. By showcasing real-life examples of heroism and the capabilities ofRapidDeploy's NG911 solutions, RapidDeploy aims to inspire and empower first responders with access to mission-critical data to drive faster, more effective emergency responses.
To learn more on this story, see the award presentation, and watch video coverage from inside the Indialantic Police Department, read our blog post.
Next Generation 911 technology is improving outcomes - RapidDeploy Radius Mapping pinpointed the caller’s location, when other solutions like their CHE and other tools were not able to locate the caller
Blount County in Tennessee contacted Graham County in North Carolina to let them know where to find the missing hikers, who were long overdue. “Without the help of RapidDeploy, we would not have been able to obtain the hikers GPS coordinates and contact Graham County 911. “
James B. Long, Blount County E-911
NG911 solutions provide critical information and the technology integrations needed to drive better outcomes. Today, RapidDeploy Radius Mapping solution is leveraged by 1,500+ emergency communications centers for:
Courtesy of Fox10 News, Walton County Florida
Next Generation 911 Technology is Improving Outcomes – The power of RapidDeploy’s location accuracy and video technology supports a lifesaving rescue mission
Leveraging modern communications and critical data provided by our partners, Walton County Dispatcher, Heather Mayo was able to provide life-saving support in the moments that mattered most during a recent boating incident.
“This technology is critical in situations where we need to see what the caller is seeing. The bay was choppy that afternoon and had we not been able to walk her through this situation, she may not have been able to retrieve her husband from the water. Every second matters when it comes to saving lives. Streamlined access to life-saving data can make all the difference. Heather Mayo was calm in a chaotic situation and was able to guide the caller throughout the entire situation.”
- Sheriff Michael Adkinson, Walton County Florida.
NG911 solutions provide critical information and the technology integrations needed to drive better outcomes. Today, RapidDeploy Radius Mapping solution is leveraged by 1,500+ emergency communications centers for:
“We know when 9-1-1 rings RapidDeploy is going to pinpoint where that caller is.”
– Beth Kallin, Director of Lawrenceburg-Anderson County 911, Kentucky
A Kentucky mother of two found herself in a dangerous situation when her ATV flipped over, trapping her leg underneath. Although she was able to call 9-1-1, she was unable to provide her precise location.
With Kentucky covered by large rural areas, it can be hard to pinpoint the exact location.
Fortunately, the Lawrenceburg dispatchers leverage RapidDeploy as their for next generation call-taking map, which enabled them to identify her exact location even in the neighboring county.
Recognizing her spotty cell service, they opted not to disconnect and instead contacted the PSAP in the next jurisdiction and were able to guide first responder to her location.
Watch the full save story here:
