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.
“SRPD is proud of our PSCB Dispatchers who were absolutely able to save the life of this person due to the technological partnership with RapidDeploy and their game changing services.”
- Joe Orozco, Public Information Officer of the Salt River Police Department (SRPD)
The Maricopa County Sheriff’s Office Dispatchers received a distress call from a witness who heard a man yelling for help near the Granite Reef dam.
Recognizing the urgency, the call was quickly transferred to the SRPD. Utilizing RapidDeploy's Radius Mapping, real-time text was initiated to the witness, enabling telecommunicators to capture the caller’s exact latitude and longitude, pinpointing the location.
This critical information provided enhanced real-time communications, which allowed emergency services to efficiently locate and navigate their way to reach the man in distress, and ultimately, save his life.
RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping is leveraged across the state of Arizona. By harnessing the power of RapidDeploy's Next Generation call-taking map, telecommunicators, first responders and 911 agencies are equipped with the tools they need to improve emergency response and drive life-saving outcomes.
Watch the incredible save story from the SRPD team in Arizona here:
