Franklin County 911 Dispatcher Receives Clinical Save Award

The Franklin County Commissioners and Department of Emergency Services (DES) Director John Thierwechter recently presented Makenzie Cleary, a 911 Dispatcher, with the Emergency Health Service Federation Clinical Save Award.

“We are thankful for Makenzie’s efforts in this critical situation resulting in a life saved,” said Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller. 

In mid-July, Ms. Cleary received a call from a Montgomery Township woman whose husband was having an allergic reaction and guided her through the process of CPR until help arrived.

Ms. Cleary was surprised to know that she was the intended recipient of the award, and even more surprised to learn that the couple she helped was also in attendance at the meeting.

“She’s the real hero here,” Ms. Cleary told the Commissioners, referencing caller Amanda Woodring who stayed calm and followed Makenzie’s directions. Amanda’s husband Jeremy was stung multiple times by hornets while mowing the lawn. He became unable to see before losing consciousness. Amanda called 911, taking directions for CPR from Makenzie. “I couldn’t have done it without her,” said Amanda Woodring.

At the time of the call, Makenzie was a supervised trainee. Though she has only been with the Department of Emergency Services for six months, Director Thierwechter says of Makenzie, “She is quite an asset to the department. We are happy to have her.”

Above photo, left to right: Commissioner Bob Ziobrowski, Commissioner Bob Thomas, Jeremy Woodring, Amanda Woodring, 911 Dispatcher Makenzie Cleary, DES Director John Thierwechter, Barb Harshman, Will Smith, Jake Crider, Commissioner Chairman Dave Keller

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