Voices of Calm: Dispatchers Lead Critical Response for Injured Child

Lyon County NV – February 12, 2026

On January 30, 2026, Lyon County Dispatchers Elizabeth Waid and Sarah Walker received an emergency call regarding an 11 year old boy at a Dayton address who had badly burned himself. During that call responding units from Central Lyon Fire Protection District requested a helicopter for emergent transport of the child. In less than 60 seconds of receiving the request for a helicopter in, Battle Born Air 12 had been assigned the call and was lifting approximately 6 minutes later to respond to the child. After a short on scene time Air 12 had lifted with the child en route to UC Davis Medical Center Burn Unit in order to receive definitive care that is not available in our region.

Dispatchers Waid and Walker exhibited seamless and clear communication throughout the incident. While the flight crew was en route to definitive care with the child, they ensured that the hospital received the most up to date information on the child. Dispatchers Waid and Walker also ensured that there was clear communications between the hospital and the flight crew about the patient.

Calls such as this whenever children are involved can be especially tense and emotions can run high. Child calls can be very difficult for Public Safety Dispatchers to maintain their composure. They demonstrated the utmost professionalism and showed what it truly means to be the ‘calm in the storm’ in someone’s time of need.

Dispatcher Waid and Walker’s exceptional dedication to our communities and for doing what is right for the patient truly shined that day. Thank you both for all that you do to help our responders and citizens day and day out, your efforts are truly appreciated.

Article submitted by Lyon County Sheriff’s Office – Nevada.