On Saturday, first responders from local agencies including the Santa Cruz fire and police departments, the Capitola Police Department and the Santa Cruz County Sheriff’s Office partnered in a formal procession in memory of late 911 dispatcher Billie Savell. The procession traveled from the Santa Cruz Regional 911 Center in DeLaveaga Park to La Selva Beach, following a seaside path to honor Savell’s love of the coast. Her life was celebrated in a private beach ceremony.
Savell died in January after a five-year battle with stage 4 cancer. She continued working throughout her health issues in the interest of public service, and recently received a commendation for instructing a bystander on how to perform CPR, saving someone’s life.
“Billie was a leader in our organization, setting a commendable example for her colleagues and contributing to the next generation of dispatchers through her work as communications training officer,” Santa Cruz Regional 911 said in a social media post. “Her professionalism, dedication, and commitment to excellence were a testament to her character and left a lasting impression on everyone who worked alongside her.”
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