Tanjania Gross, an 11-year-old girl from Lancaster, California, and Public Safety Dispatcher Andrew Frascona of the Los Angeles County Fire Department were honored during the Antelope Valley 9-1-1 Heroes Awards Ceremony by the international public safety organization, 9-1-1 for Kids® , today at the Yard House Restaurant at the Antelope Valley Mall in Palmdale, Calif.
On March 11, 2010, 10-year-old Tanjania called 9-1-1 when her grandfather was having a stroke. Tanjania remained calm and carefully followed Safety Dispatcher Frascona’s instructions to help get the appropriate immediate emergency assistance to her grandfather. Tanjania’s call models the behavior other youngsters should exhibit when correctly using the 9-1-1 system. Because of Tanjania’s bravery and quick-thinking, her grandfather is alive and well today.
The 9-1-1 Local Heroes® program brings critical awareness to exemplary dispatchers and 9-1-1 youth heroes. The 9-1-1 Local Heroes® Medal of Honor is bestowed upon a young person who distinguishes himself/herself by gallantry and intrepidity calling 9-1-1 to help save a life or property, or to report a crime.
Equally as important, this award is presented to the 9-1-1 dispatcher/call taker who processed the call and dispatched the appropriate emergency response help.
Attending presenters at the ceremony were Capt. Bobby D. Denham, Captain (Palmdale Sheriff’s Station), Norm Hickling, Senior Deputy (Office of Supervisor Michael D. Antonovich), Capt. Robert A. Jonsen, Captain (Lancaster Sheriff’s Station), Chief Jim Kross, Assistant Chief (Los Angeles County Fire Dept. – AV Division), Jeff McElfresh, Field Representative (Office of Congressman Howard P. McKeon), Cathy Rough, District Representative (Office of Senator Sharon Runner) and Sarah Tyndall, Field Representative (Office of Assemblyman Steve Knight).