KING CITY — Monterey County emergency dispatchers are being credited with helping save two lost hikers in separate fall incidents, actions county officials say exemplify the professionalism and mission of the 9-1-1 system.
According to the County of Monterey Emergency Communications Department, Dispatchers Dawn McNeil and Donald Clark played critical roles in safely directing two young women back to their vehicles after each became disoriented while hiking in local parks.
The first incident occurred on Oct. 18, when McNeil answered a 9-1-1 call from a woman who had lost her way while hiking with her dog at San Lorenzo Park in King City. County officials said the caller had become “disoriented and increasingly panicked after circling dense brush.”
In a news release Dec. 4, the county said McNeil “remained calm and reassuring, leveraging RapidSOS technology to accurately determine the caller’s location.” Over about 13 minutes, she provided step-by-step instructions that led the hiker and her dog safely back to their vehicle.
A second rescue took place on Nov. 4, around 6 p.m., when Clark handled a call from a young woman who became lost in Point Lobos State Natural Reserve, a state park near Carmel, after nightfall.
The Emergency Communications Department said Clark “immediately accessed RapidSOS to identify her exact position within the park and stayed on the line for 24 minutes, offering detailed, turn-by-turn instructions.” His steady guidance helped the caller reach the highway and return to her vehicle.
“These incidents highlight exemplary composure, operational skill and the effective use of advanced location technology,” stated county officials. “McNeil and Clark’s actions reflect the core mission of the 9-1-1 system: providing calm, professional and life-saving support in moments of urgent need.”
McNeil and Clark have been formally commended for their “exceptional performance and exemplary application of technology in the service of public safety,” added the county.
