On April 13, the Hanover County Board of Supervisors presented 6-year-old Jordynn Etheridge of Hanover with a 911 Life Saver Award and recognized her as an honorary Hanover County Emergency Communications Officer for her heroic actions. Last month, Jordynn was at home with her mom, Deja, when Deja collapsed and was unresponsive. Jordynn immediately jumped into action and called 911. She told the dispatcher her mom “just passed out.” Jordynn calmly stayed on the phone with the 911 dispatcher. When asked for her address, the quick-thinking 6-year-old ran outside to check her mailbox and confirm her address for first responders. Deja eventually came through as first responders arrived, but Jordynn never hung up. “As a mom knowing my kids are going to look out for me like even though I’m supposed to be their protector and knowing that at such a young age they can step in and be my protector is huge,” said Deja.  

Deja taught Jordynn at a young age to call 911 in an emergency. Cheryl Buchanan, Director of the Hanover County Emergency Communications says this is an example of why it’s good to have an emergency plan and practice it. She said, “I don’t think it’s too soon start basic instruction. I would say as soon as an opportunity presents itself, to educate them on that.” Hanover Communications Officer Shannon Scheibel, who took Jordynn’s call got to meet her and Deja for the first time Wednesday. Scheibel told Jordynn she did a good job.