12-year-old called hero for saving father’s life
Published: December 11, 2004
With her injured father bleeding beside her, Bethany Blackwell, 12, grabbed his cell phone, called 911 and followed the dispatcher’s directions.
The quick thinking may have saved David Blackwell’s life.
Blackwell’s face was crushed when he was hit by a brick as the pair drove down a street Nov. 16. He lost his right eye and a lot of blood. For her actions, Bethany received the Sebastian County Emergency Management 911 Hero award. “I thought she did a great job. I couldn’t be any more proud of her,” David Blackwell said. “She was able to handle [the situation] when I couldn’t have.”
Police believe the brick was thrown from a passing vehicle. Bethany thought at the time that her father had been shot.
Dispatcher Rhonda Hughes nominated Bethany and presented the girl with the award Wednesday. Hughes said Bethany’s calm demeanor and ability to follow instructions saved her father’s life. “If I hadn’t had her help, things could have turned out very differently,” Hughes said. “She’s a brave little girl. She deserved that award.”
Because of Bethany’s call, emergency personnel responded quickly and were able to help David Blackwell. Hughes said Bethany was able to tell her where she was and then repeat it a second time.
Since then, Blackwell has had several operations on his face to correct the damage and will have to undergo several more, according Sebastian County Judge David Hudson’s office.
Bethany said she appreciates being recognized for her actions. “It feels great, but I don’t think I was the hero. My dad helped me through it by staying calm, too,” Bethany said. Crimestoppers and local businesses are offering a reward of up to $1,000 for information leading to an arrest in the incident.
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