Sheriff’s office dispatcher uses compassion to divert suicide attempt

BLADEN COUNTY, N.C. (WECT) - Compassion. Telecommunicator Patti Yandle of the Bladen County Sheriff's Office is said to have shown "a tremendous amount of compassion" for a caller talking about committing suicide with a shotgun.

Yandle was able to make contact with the person who called the crisis hotline and talked to him about his situation.

"She had the person talking with her about their situation and actually laughing at one point," said Sheriff Jim McVicker. “Patti was able to help defuse the situation in a very caring and professional manner. I am very proud of her as I am all my employees who do a great job on a daily basis."