In a stunning display of high-quality emergency service, a Tucson man is irate after a 911 dispatcher laughed at him when he called to say his girlfriend was set ablaze during a car fire.
TV station KGUN9 reports that Lalo Delgado called 911 and reached a Pima County Sheriff's Department dispatcher when his car somehow caught on fire when he and his girlfriend were traveling to Chiva Falls. He made the call after his girlfriend also caught fire as a result. The TV station said she was badly burned but is recovering.
This, or something else going on in the dispatch room, was apparently quite humorous o the dispatcher. Here's a transcript:
911: Is your girlfriend still on fire?
Caller: No.
911: No?
(laughter in background)
911: Ok. (chuckles) Umm... Is your vehicle still on fire?
Caller: It's hilarious huh?
911: Sir, is your vehicle still on fire?
Caller: I just heard you smirk... Inaudible.
911: Ok, sir it wasn't regarding that ok.
Caller: Yeah, I just heard you laugh.
Delgado found this all to be, if I may borrow the TV station's phrase, "no laughing matter." He says he lodged a complaint with the sheriff's office, who say they are investigating.
911 dispatching — it's all fun and games until someone is on fire.
Hat tip to Ilya!