WESTFORD — A Westford public safety dispatcher received the 911 Life Saver Commendation on Friday for her lifesaving actions last month.
On Friday afternoon, telecommunicator Rebecca Michaels was presented with the 911 Life Saver Commendation, which recognizes and applauds a dispatcher who provides life-saving assistance over the phone.
Presenting the commendation to Michaels was Erica Crawford, the Massachusetts State 911 Department Public Education Coordinator.
In addition to Crawford, members of the Westford Police and Fire Department, including Police Chief Mark Chambers, Fire Chief Mike Denehy, as well as Public Safety Communications Operation Administrator Andrew Sherman and Town Manager Kristen Las, all attended the ceremony recognizing Michaels’ actions.
Michaels received the commendation for her actions on Sunday, Aug. 17, when she received a 911 call around 9:35 a.m. from a woman stating her partner was in cardiac arrest. In response to the woman’s call, Michael quickly initiated the emergency medical dispatch and provided clear and effective CPR instructions to the woman on the phone. The woman continued performing CPR following Michaels’ instructions until first responders arrived at the scene.
“Telecommunicator Michaels confidence, swift actions, and clear instructions provided the best outcome in this situation,” the Westford Police Department said in a social media post. “Thank you to Telecommunicator Michaels for being this vital piece in the chain of survival on that morning.”
