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.
Rice County, Kansas, January 16th, 2024 – Amidst blizzard conditions on January 8th, 2024, Rice County faced significant challenges, with eleven inches of snow and 41 mph winds in a 16-hour period. The Rice County Emergency Communications Center (RCECC) responded to thirty-nine traffic hazards during this intense weather event.
RCECC effectively employed a groundbreaking map markup feature within RapidDeploy’s Radius Mapping Solution. This innovative enhancement empowered telecommunicators to pinpoint the exact location of vehicles on the 911 map, providing detailed information including latitude, longitude, and vehicle description. RCECC Team Member, Scott Dellinger indicated, “We could verify that an officer had already checked the vehicle and everyone was safe.”
This strategic use of the new map markup feature ensured that critical resources were efficiently allocated, addressing thirty-nine traffic hazards, and allowing RCECC to manage over thirty additional emergency calls. Director Josh Michaelis emphasized, “Implementing emerging technologies such as map markups improves safety for both responders and citizens.”
The successful deployment of this technology not only highlights RCECC's and the Kansas 911 Coordinating Council’s commitment to leveraging innovative tools, but also highlights how advancements in emergency communication technology can significantly enhance public safety during challenging weather conditions.
.png)
.png)
