Senate Joint Resolution 437, sponsored by Harshbarger, honors Wendy Doran, a 911 dispatcher from Sullivan County, for her exceptional service and quick thinking that led to her receiving the Lifesaving Award from the Sullivan County Sheriff's Office. This prestigious award is rarely given and recognizes individuals who act heroically to protect the lives of others. On December 19, 2024, Doran responded to an emergency call from a father whose infant was unresponsive in the bathtub. She provided lifesaving instructions over the phone, utilizing new technology that allowed her to see the baby's condition in real time.
Doran's prompt actions, including instructing the father to use a bulb syringe to clear water from the infant's mouth, were crucial in restoring the baby's ability to breathe until emergency medical services arrived. The resolution expresses the General Assembly's gratitude for Doran's dedication and skill, acknowledging her significant contribution to the safety and well-being of Tennessee's citizens. The resolution concludes with a directive for an appropriate copy to be prepared for presentation.