RSBM for focus
I believe this is what you are talking about:
Apr 6, 2019
“Two days after Dennard went missing,
public warning messages were also sent to 612 landlines and cellphones of residents and businesses within a six-mile radius of the Children's Home, according to Alexa White, deputy director of Pennington County Emergency Management. The messages gave a description of Dennard and asked people to look for her outside their homes or businesses.“ (BBM)
Sheriff's Office narrowing search for missing girl by eliminating areas
By the way, I just can’t get over the fact that:
Feb 7, 2019
“After [Serenity] ran away from a residential youth home around
10:45 a.m. on Sunday, staff at the rural Pennington County facility called 911
more than one and a half hours after she went missing.
[SBM]
After Children's Home staff
called 911 at 12:26 p.m., [Helene] Duhamel [spokeswoman with the Pennington County Sheriff's Office] said, a
deputy arrived on scene by 12:45 p.m. By 1:16 p.m., four deputies were on site. At 1:28 they requested assistance from Pennington County Search and Rescue.” (BBM)
Children's Home staff called 911 later than initially reported
Having never worked in a facility like the Children's Home, I probably don’t know what I’m talking about. But why would anyone wait that long, especially when you are talking about an 9-year-old with at least one serious (IMO) psychiatric diagnosis, isn’t dressed for the incoming severe weather, who just bolted out.
According to Bill Colson, executive director of the Children's Home Society:
“When Serenity left staff sight on Sunday, we immediately conducted
a thorough search of our grounds and buildings. When we were unable to find Serenity we called law enforcement.” (BBM)
(But the linked article also reports that “Colson
initially said on Monday that Dennard ran away before noon and staff called 911 right away.’”)
I’m not sure at what point they should have called 911. But the thing is by 11 AM, she had been seen near the cattle guard. Within 15 minutes of losing sight of her, they knew (or at least they were informed) where she would be found. Mr. Colsen says staff “conducted a thorough search of our grounds.” So how many employees did they have looking for her outside? There were staff searching the inside as well. Others were busy working with the remaining residents.
I’m sorry this is getting so long. I guess the point I am trying to make is why didn’t they call 911 as soon as they were told there was a child outside? Maybe the person the witness spoke to wasn’t yet aware of the situation involving Serenity (after 15 minutes, you would think every employee would be aware, but ... nothing surprises me anymore). But someone would have put the two and two together (relatively) soon thereafter, IMO. They could have at least called the sheriff’s office and asked patrolling officers to keep an eye out for her, IMO.
I know this is going to sound mean, but (and this is purely speculative): The staff probably knew this was a serious situation once they realized she was outside. Yet no one called 911 because they were afraid of “getting into trouble,” so they continued to search on their own without asking for outside help, IMO.
I’d love to know who finally decided to call for assistance; to do the right thing.
