Wrong to judge 911 dispatcher

I have never written to a newspaper before but I feel urged to write to voice my defense of the 911 operator after the horrific situation regarding the Powell children, Braden and Charlie, and their families. (Article, "In 911 call, frantic social worker fears for Josh Powell's sons.")

I am aggravated and disgusted how people are so quick to voice their opinion on what should have been done, not only in this situation, but in other situations that make news.

We are so quick to try to place blame on everyone else and play "sidewalk superintendent." I would have done "so and so." You or I cannot know what we would have done. We were not there. We did not take the call that the 911 dispatcher took. I defend the 911 dispatcher. I have contacted 911, during my now-deceased husband's stroke and on another occasion. These calls were always handled efficiently and professionally. Get off their backs. 911 is there when we need them.

As far as I am concerned the dispatcher did what he could have done. The only one to place blame on in this murder/suicide is Josh Powell. May we not be so quick to criticize our public defenders, police, firefighters, EMTs or the employees of 911. They are available for our help when needed. None of us have any idea of what they go through on a daily basis. God bless them.

Joy Hagglund
Arlington