[Congressional Record Volume 161, Number 20 (Thursday, February 5, 2015)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E172]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                  HONORING TIM WEBB AND JUSTIN WOOTEN

                                  _____
                                 

                        HON. H. MORGAN GRIFFITH

                              of virginia

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, February 5, 2015

  Mr. GRIFFITH. Mr. Speaker, I submit remarks in honor of Mr. Tim Webb 
and Mr. Justin Wooten, communications officers at the Galax Police 
Department's dispatch center, and also in recognition of the important 
work of all emergency dispatchers.
  On December 29, 2014, Mr. Webb was working his routine shift when he 
took an incoming call from Cheri Grable and her daughter Melissa, who 
were caring for 17-month-old Aidan Paul Walker, Melissa's son. Aidan 
had been running a slight fever, but it took a sudden, dramatic spike, 
which caused him to convulse violently. Aidan stopped breathing, and 
his eyes rolled back into his head.
  Mr. Webb's partner at the dispatch center, Mr. Justin Wooten, 
dispatched the call and fielded other duties so Mr. Webb could assist 
Cheri and Melissa with young Aidan.
  However, the nearest ambulance was nearly 20 minutes from their home. 
When it was made clear that neither Cheri nor Melissa were trained in 
CPR, Mr. Webb--who is a certified CPR instructor and had worked for 
Laurel and Pipers Gap rescue squads for 20 years--walked Cheri through 
performing CPR and helping Aidan breathe again. As noted by WSLS' 
Bethany Teague, this is especially notable because the Galax Police 
Department does not have emergency medical dispatch certification, so 
dispatchers like Mr. Webb typically are not allowed to provide CPR 
instructions over the phone.
  ``I never have done CPR on anybody,'' Cheri told the Galax Gazette. 
``[A]nd [Mr. Webb] told me what to do, and I did it, and the baby came 
back to life.''
  Aidan began breathing about a minute into the CPR. But Mr. Webb 
stayed with them over the phone, checking the boy's pulse and keeping 
Cheri and Melissa calm. About 18 minutes after the dispatch call, the 
ambulance arrived and EMTs took Aidan on board. He was taken to 
Northern Hospital in Surry County, North Carolina for further 
treatment.
  Galax Police Chief Rick Clark said of Mr. Webb, ``He did an 
exceptional job. He deserves to be recognized. In my mind he's a 
hero.''
  However, Mr. Webb wishes to share his recognition with his partner 
that day, Mr. Wooten. Mr. Webb said, ``Without him, this couldn't have 
been a success. Without Justin taking care of other calls while this 
was going on . . . if one person had tried to handle this call, 
dispatch and handle radio traffic as well . . . I just don't know that 
it could have been done. Within the first 15 seconds, he had it 
dispatched. And he's only worked with me a year. For someone with that 
level of experience--he really deserves a pat on the back.''
  This isn't the only recognition Mr. Webb has received for his work. 
Last spring, he and other 911 dispatchers received an award from the 
Association of Public Safety Communications Officials' Virginia Chapter 
for their efforts in regards to the tragic 2013 Easter Sunday car 
accident on Interstate 77, which involved more than 90 vehicles.
  The efforts of communications officers such as Mr. Webb, Mr. Wooten, 
and other emergency workers may go largely unrecognized, but their 
actions and service to the community are to be commended. I am honored 
to pay tribute to Mr. Webb, Mr. Wooten, and others like them. Please 
join me in thanking Mr. Webb, Mr. Wooten, and others for all that they 
have done and continue to do for the people of this great nation.

                          ____________________