Hero of the Week: Dispatcher deciphers fake pizza order call

He at first thought it was a prank, but soon put it together as a domestic abuse situation

By EMS1 Staff

We’ve got to hand it to this dispatcher who answered a 911 call from a woman placing an order for a pizza delivery.
Others may have been turned off by her request for a large pie with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers – and Keith Weisinger indeed thought it was a prank at first – but some targeted questioning helped him deduce it was a domestic abuse situation.
Props also go to the woman who was clever enough to disguise her emergency.
We should point out this happened 10 years ago in Boulder, Colo., but it’s one of those heroic calls that stands the test of time, and that we all can learn from.
Here’s the transcript of the call:
"911, where is your emergency?"
"123 Main St."
"Ok, what's going on there?"
"I'd like to order a pizza for delivery."
"Ma'am, you've reached 911"
"Yeah, I know. Can I have a large with half pepperoni, half mushroom and peppers?"
"Ummm … I'm sorry, you know you've called 911 right?"
"Yeah, do you know how long it will be?"
"Ok, Ma'am, is everything ok over there? do you have an emergency?"
"Yes, I do."
"... And you can't talk about it because there's someone in the room with you?"
"Yes, that's correct. Do you know how long it will be?"
"I have an officer about a mile from your location. Are there any weapons in your house?"
"Nope."
"Can you stay on the phone with me?"
"Nope. See you soon, thanks"

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