FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: May 15, 2026

CONTACT: Jason Scalese

Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil Honors 9-1-1 Heroes at State Capitol Ceremony

SACRAMENTO, Calif. – Senator Marie Alvarado-Gil (R-Jackson) participated in the 9-1-1 Heroes event at the State Capitol on Wednesday, May 13, where she presented Senate Certificates of Recognition to outstanding public safety dispatchers and recognized the impactful work of 9-1-1 education programs.

On June 21, 2025, a sudden and historic storm struck the south shore of Lake Tahoe, generating eight-foot swells and an overwhelming surge of 9-1-1 calls. Fire Dispatcher Nicole Harrington and Police Dispatcher Melissa Dube worked side-by-side under extreme pressure. The dispatchers rapidly coordinated a multi-agency response resulting in the successful rescue of all ten occupants. Their calm professionalism and exceptional multitasking helped save 10 lives that day.

El Dorado County Sheriff Jeff Leikauff later gave an account of the tragic accident that occurred just two days after also at Lake Tahoe. After a passerby called 9-1-1, El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department Dispatcher Mindy Whitney immediately initiated the response, dispatching marine units and notifying search and unifying search and rescue. Though eight lives were lost, two individuals survived due to the steady, precise communication of the dispatch and the responders during this extremely complex and fast-moving event.

“These dedicated dispatchers and education programs represent the very best of public safety in California,” said Senator Alvarado-Gil. “From the calm voices answering calls in crisis to the proactive education that prepares our communities, they save lives every single day.”

Senator Alvarado-Gil presented Senate Certificates of Recognitions to Nicole Harrington, Melissa Dube, Mindy Whitney and members of the El Dorado County Sheriff’s Department who participated in these two critical incidents for their calm under pressure, decisive communication, courage and unwavering dedication that saved lives, safety during some of the most challenging moments the Lake Tahoe region had ever faced.

Since 1994, 9-1-1 for Kids® has educated more than five million students and adults on the proper use of 9-1-1, helping to significantly reduce non-emergency calls while empowering the public to respond effectively in crisis situations.