Heroic Efforts by Dover Police Communications Operators Save Lives in European Waters

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The Dover Police Department is being recognized for a rescue overseas. On August 27th, Dover, Delaware Police Communications Operators played a critical role in an international rescue effort after receiving a call from Albania about a sinking boat in the English Channel. Although the caller mistakenly contacted the Delaware department instead of Dover, England, Communications Operator MacKenzie Atkinson stayed on the line to gather key information, while her colleague Connor Logan coordinated with international agencies, including the U.S. and French Coast Guards. Within 16 minutes, rescuers were dispatched to the vessel, ultimately saving everyone on board. The team has since been nominated for a Distinguished Unit Commendation.

Additional Information from the Dover Police Department:

Recognizing the risks associated with trying to refer the frantic emergency caller, Communications Operator MacKenzie Atkinson kept them on the line and began collecting critical information.  The caller provided the latitudinal and longitudinal coordinates of this vessel and C/O Atkinson used the skills obtained from her training through Priority Dispatch and her newly acquired certification from the International Academies of Emergency Dispatch and followed the protocols for a vessel in distress.  While C/O Atkinson kept working with the caller on the phone, C/O Connor Logan began making international notifications in an effort to rescue this sinking vessel.  Within just four minutes, he established contact with the following domestic and international agencies:


 
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