The New Castle County Police Senior Roll Call Lifeline Program, established by then Colonel Thomas P. Gordon in the mid-1990s, has once again been credited with saving an 87 year old female after she failed to respond to the automated Senior Roll Call Lifeline phone call early this morning.
Gordon, now New Castle County Executive, said the news was the best he had heard all day.
“I think it’s great we were able to save a valuable citizen’s life,” Gordon said.
Earlier on Monday morning, Mr. Joe McKoewn, who is a long-time senior roll call volunteer, was monitoring the senior roll call phone when he heard the victim’s answering machine pick up. Mr. McKoewn called the residence and again received no answer. He then left a message. When he did not hear back from the victim, he began call ing her neighbors in an effort to have someone check on her welfare.
He was able to make contact with a neighbor, who contacted another neighbor, before they both responded over to the home. Within moments, the neighbors arrived at the victim's home and found the elderly female lying on the floor and it was clear that she needed medical attention.
County Police, Paramedics and ambulance personnel from the Talleyville Fire Company also responded to the residence. The female victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical workers, at which time she was found to be conscious and breathing, and was then transported to Wilmington Hospital for a medical evaluation.
The Senior Roll Call Lifeline is a free program provided by New Castle County that calls the homes of its subscribers every day to ensure the welfare of its elderly residents, many of which who live alone.
Daily phone calls are made to those enrolled, to make sure they are doing well and do not require emergency assistance. If after several attempts the calls are unsuccessful, help is sent to the home to check on the well-being of the subscriber.
Chief of Police, Colonel E.M. Setting states, “The lifeline is an invaluable tool for our elderly residents and their families, and our volunteers have played a significant role in the success of the program.
The Senior Roll Call system has helped make countless “saves” for individuals who have suffered a debilitating injury or ailment leaving them unabl e to help themselves.
The program is supported by volunteers who are desperately needed. Colonel E.M. Setting, Director of Public Safety Joseph Bryant Jr., and County Executive Thomas P. Gordon encourage residents to learn more about the program and participate.
To register yourself, sign up a loved one or to register to be a volunteer, please call the New Castle County Police Community Services Senior Roll Call Line at 302-395-8159 or use ext. 8150.