The Kannapolis Police Department recently presented Kailagh Payne with a letter of commendation for her bravery.
Kailagh, who is 8, was home alone with her mother, when her mother suffered a medical emergency. Kailagh was able to understand that her mother was very sick and quickly dialed 911. She was able to tell our telecommunicators what was happening to her mother and give her address and directions to their home.
Cabarrus EMS, Kannapolis Fire and Kannapolis Police officers arrived and transported her mother to the hospital. Kailagh was able to remain calm and help police officers find information on family members who were out of town. Officer Noah Norfleet who responded that day commented, “Kailagh was exceptionally brave and responded calmly in this situation – something that many adults are not able to do. She had learned how to dial 911, knew her address and other important information that helped us treat her mother on scene. We are very proud of her.”
This is a good reminder for all of us - please take time to teach your children how to dial 911 and most importantly when you should dial it; their address, phone number and how to find information about their grandparents or other close relatives.