WILMINGTON, Del. – The New Castle County Police Senior Roll Call Lifeline Program, created under County Executive Tom Gordon’s prior administration, saved the life of a 79-year-old woman who failed to respond to the automated Senior Roll Call Lifeline over the weekend.
At 8:46 a.m. Sunday, Marie Allen, of the Community Services Unit, was monitoring the senior roll call phone when she heard the victim’s answering machine pick up. Mrs. Allen called the residence and left a message. When she did not hear back from the victim, she immediately contacted her daughter in an effort for her to check on her mother’s welfare.
Within moments, her daughter arrived at her mother’s house and found her unresponsive. A short time later, New Castle County Paramedics and ambulance personnel from the
Brandywine Hundred Fire Company responded to the victim’s home in the community of Wycliffe to provide medical assistance. The victim was treated at the scene by emergency medical workers and then transported to the Christiana Hospital, where she was stabilized.
“We do this every day to ensure the welfare of our most vulnerable citizens,” Gordon said. “Our diligence pays off whenever the Roll Call system saves someone’s life.”
Gordon started the Senior Roll Call Lifeline in the mid-1990s to ensure the welfare of 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.
Senior Roll Call has helped many individuals who have suffered a debilitating injury or ailment leaving them unable to help themselves. The program is supported by volunteers, who are always in demand.
County Executive Gordon, Police Chief Col. E.M. Setting, and Director of Public Safety Joseph Bryant, Jr. 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 (302) 395-8150.