Antioch police said Wednesday that one of their dispatchers helped the U.S. Coast Guard save the life of a man whose boat sank on Christmas Eve.
According to a Facebook post from the Antioch Police Department, dispatcher Autumn Turnage received a 911 call from a man whose boat sank near Sherman Island, leaving him stranded in the water and fearing for his life.
Over the course of what police called “an intense and emotional hour-long conversation,” Turnage demonstrated exceptional skills, calmness and compassion in ensuring the man’s survival, police said.
Despite problems with lines of communication, Turnage coordinated between multiple agencies, including the Contra Costa County Sheriff’s Marine Patrol, Sacramento County, Solano County and the Coast Guard.
With the support of fellow dispatcher Taylor Hubbard, Turnage provided crucial information, such as GPS coordinates and rapid deployment system location pings, to assist the Coast Guard in their search efforts, police said.
Turnage acted as a lifeline for the man, providing constant reassurance during moments of despair and panic. She chose to stay on the line even after turning him over to the Coast Guard, encouraging him to hang in there and reminding him he wasn’t alone.
At 12:02 a.m. on Christmas morning, the Coast Guard rescued the man.
Police said Hubbard’s behind-the-scenes efforts were just as important, as she managed radio communications, fielded additional calls and even calmed the man’s panicked friend.
“Their dedication, professionalism and teamwork saved a life and gave hope to a family this holiday season,” police said on social media. “Antioch is proud to have these extraordinary dispatchers as part of our police department.”
