Ladera Ranch Girl Meets 911 Dispatcher Who Helped Her Through Home Fire
LOMA RIDGE (CBSLA.com) — A 9-year-old Ladera Ranch girl Friday met the 911 dispatcher who helped her when a blaze broke out at her home a week ago.
Katy Carlson and dispatcher Jennifer Demers met at the Orange County Sheriff's Emergency Communications Bureau in Loma Ridge.
Asked if she's ever met anyone she's spoken with over the phone, Demers said, "Never. This is the first time. It's very exciting for me. I couldn't wait to meet her."
Carlson was home alone after school last Thursday when she heard a loud noise.
"I heard a boom. Then I looked in the garage and there was nothing. Then I look again and there were flames. And then I just called 911," she said.
"Hold on, don't hang up because I'm gonna help you," Demers said in the 911 call.
"Because I'm really scared," Carlson said.
"I know you are, honey. Okay, can you stop outside?" Demers said.
"Yes," Carlson said.
"She was so calm and did everything that she needed to do to get help out there. She was wonderful, very articulate, followed directions even though she was very scared," Demers said.
While Carlson was safe outside, she was still worried about her two cats.
"She was concerned about the animals in the house. I was afraid she was gonna run back in," Demers said.
Demers kept Carlson calm until firefighters arrived.
"I won't forget that conversation ever," Demers said.
CBS2's Greg Mills reports the fire destroyed the house and the Carlsons' possessions.
They're living in a hotel right now, looking for another house to rent.
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