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This article contains accounts of mental health issues including suicide and may be triggering or upsetting to some readers.
ASHEBORO N.C. (RCSO) – On December 29, 2022, a thirteen-year-old female of Asheboro called 911. The juvenile was experiencing an emotional crisis and threatening to jump off of a bridge near her home.
Telecommunicator Cheyanne Allred remained calm and professional during the entire thirteen-minute call. The juvenile female was distraught and crying and during the phone call, she made additional comments that sitting on that ledge was “peaceful” and made additional threats to jump. TC Allred was able to divert the female’s focus on jumping off the bridge by talking about her pets, her school, and favorite subject. TC Allred reassured the female that everything was going to be okay.
The Randolph County Deputy arrived on-scene to find the female leaning on/over the concrete wall of the bridge still on the phone with TC Allred. Deputy Martin secured the juvenile and took her to Randolph Health for evaluation.
While waiting to speak with the medical professionals, the juvenile female made statements to Deputy Martin that she had real intentions of ending her own life by jumping off the bridge. Deputy Martin reported that he truly and honestly believed that TC Allred saved the young female’s life by diverting the female’s focus by talking about her pets, her school, and favorite subject. TC Allred reassured the female that everything was going to be okay.
On January 12, 2023 at the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office Command Staff Meeting, TC Cheyanne Allred was awarded the Randolph County Sheriff’s Office “Sheriff’s Commendation” for her outstanding performance during this incident. Her actions are in good keeping with the highest traditions of public service and reflect great credit upon her, 911 Communications, and Randolph County Emergency Services as a whole.
Source: Randolph County Sheriff’s Office – Press Release
If you’re thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline network is available 24/7 across the United States.