State News

Cary 6-year-old honored for calm call to 911

Grace Downen had lived in North Carolina only a few months, but she calmly gave 911 dispatchers her address when her mother had trouble breathing.

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CARY, N.C. — A 6-year-old girl who had lived in North Carolina only a few months calmly gave 911 dispatchers her address when her mother had trouble breathing.

Grace Downen was honored Thursday at Cary Town Hall with the town's first I Knew What to Do award.

The News & Observer of Raleigh reported that Grace had no trouble giving dispatchers her home address on Oct. 1 when her mom had problems.

The calm call allowed paramedics to arrive in time to take Jennifer Downen to Western WakeMed, where she was treated for gastroenteritis and pancreatitis.

The award created by Police Chief Pat Bazemore recognizes children under age 14 who call 911 and provide vital information to dispatchers.

Dispatcher Rick Thomas was impressed with the girl, saying he talks to adults all the time who freak in an emergency.

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