12-year-old boy keeps a cool head and saves his mother’s life

SHERMAN, August 9, 2010 – Dr. Susan B. Thomas, Executive Director of the Texoma Council of Governments, joined Bonham Mayor Roy Floyd and TCOG 9-1-1 Program Manager Peggy Shelley to pay tribute to 12-year-old Thomas Standlee at the Bonham City Council Meeting on August 9, 2010. Dr. Thomas, on behalf of TCOG’s 9-1-1 Program, honored 12-year-old Thomas Standlee during the Bonham City Council meeting for keeping his wits about him as he talked with 9-1-1 during his mother’s medical emergency.

(L-R) TCOG 9-1-1 Program Manager Peggy Shelley, Anna Rutledge (mother of the young hero), Bonham Police Department Telecommunicator Cindy Woods, Bonham Fire Department's Ray Jackson, Thomas Standlee and, in the distant background, Bonham City Councilman John Burnett.

“Knowing what to do in an emergency is vital in situations like this,” explained Dr. Thomas.  “Teaching a child when to call 9-1-1 and creating a family emergency plan can literally save your life.”

On the evening of June 14, Anna Rutledge was home alone with her son when she suddenly began experiencing chest pains.  The pain was so severe that she had difficulty speaking and could not call 9-1-1 herself, so Thomas stepped up. 

Bonham Police Department Telecommunicator Cindy Woods said that even though Thomas was clearly upset and nervous, he answered questions and remained on the line until Fire Department and Ambulance personnel arrived. 

Ms. Woods reported, “He responded to our questions and requests better than some adults.” 

Thomas Standlee gets a kiss on the cheek from his mom, Anna Rutledge, as Bonham Police Department Telecommunicator Cindy Woods and Bonham Fire Department's Ray Jackson look on.

As instructed during the Emergency Medical Dispatch protocols, Thomas made sure the front door was unlocked and the family dog was put away while still providing updates on his mother’s condition. 

Ms. Rutledge said she was unable to answer questions or relay her need for an ambulance and there would have been a delay in 9-1-1 call takers knowing what help to send if Thomas hadn’t known what to do.  As with any true medical emergency, that lost time could have meant the difference in survival. 

At the Bonham City Council Meeting, Thomas and his mother were reunited with the City of Bonham First Responders who answered his call that evening.  The TCOG 9-1-1 Program presented Thomas with a Local 9-1-1 Heroes Medal of Honor.

The Bonham City Council gives Thomas Standlee a standing ovation.

The Texoma Council of Governments is a voluntary association of the local governments in Cooke, Fannin, and Grayson counties.

Established in 1968, the Texoma Council of Governments promotes economy and efficiency in the coordinated planning and development of the tri-county region through its community and economic development activities.  Either directly, or through contractors, the Council provides housing, utility assistance, and weatherization services for low-income citizens in the region as well as a wide array of specialized programs for seniors.  The Council also facilitates the delivery of grant funding for homeland security, criminal justice, and transportation needs.