Unfortunately, Barton County Commissioner Jennifer Schartz said public officials grab the headlines when they have a bad day and make a mistake. That is why she appreciated what 911 Director Doug Hubbard had to say Monday morning.

Hubbard reported to the County Commission that one of Barton County 911 Dispatchers was cited for going above and beyond her basic duties on domestic violence, kidnapping case that occurred in January.

On-duty dispatchers took a call of a kidnapping in the northern part of the county and that the subjects were heading north out of the county, Hubbard said. “As our jurisdiction is Barton County only, Donna Williams was quick in her thinking and contacted the proper agencies north of our county to put them on alert for the vehicle and people in question.”

Normally the dispatcher’s work would end with contacting the proper agencies. However, Williams, a 21-year dispatching veteran, continued to search for information and made phone calls.  

“She is familiar with the geography in the area they were believed to heading and relayed critical information which in turn allowed the Kansas Highway Patrol to find the victim and arrest the subject before any harm came to her.

Because of Williams’ quick thinking and knowledge of the area, she was able to fill in the blanks with details that allowed the KHP to find and capture the kidnapper without incident. “This action probably saved the life of this victim,” Hubbard said.

Williams was present at the meeting and somewhat uncomfortable with the attention. “I just did my job. It’s what we do every day,” she said.

For the victim and her family, what Williams and her co-workers do is far from routine. We are all glad they are there to do their jobs. 

Dale Hogg