05/23/2026
Coles-Moultrie 9-1-1 Telecommunicator Presented Lifesaving Award
Another TC was recently honored at a Mattoon City Council meeting, along with the Charleston Assistant Fire Chief and an Illinois State Police Trooper, for their role in helping save a life earlier this year.
On April 3rd, 2026, at 3:41 P.M., Telecommunicator Sammy Renfro answered a 9-1-1 call reporting an unresponsive subject who had stopped breathing. Recognizing the need for an immediate response, Sammy promptly dispatched emergency personnel while continuing to gather critical information from the caller. During the course of the call, it was learned that the Charleston Assistant Fire Chief and an off-duty Illinois State Police Trooper were on scene and had already begun CPR. Sammy continued to obtain and relay updates to responding units, helping ensure responders had the information needed to provide timely patient care.
Sammy's efforts served as a critical link in the chain of survival, contributing to a successful cardiac save
and the patient's opportunity to receive advanced medical care and continued treatment.
Sammy is to be commended for her professionalism, composure, and decisive actions that contributed to a lifesaving outcome.
