A NOTE FROM PSTC

3-2-2004 : Today is Catherine's memorial and burial. Burial and memorial services have been covered by insurance. The void left by Catherine will be huge to her husband and Skylar . Our suggestion is to send cards and letters of support for the husband. For Sklylar we think that children's books or gift certificates from places like Target or Toys R Us may be helpful.

Please send cards, letters and donations for Skylar's future to:

PLANO 9-1-1 Communications
Attn: Ron Timmons
1520 Avenue K
Plano , Texas 75074
972-941-7900

Here is the 911 CARES ACTIVATION REQUEST from Plano DPS

Attn: We regret to inform you that Catherine Allen, a former dispatcher for the City of Plano, in Plano, Texas passed away on February 27 ,2004 . Catherine has a 3 month old baby girl named Skylar. Catherine had been employed with Plano for almost a year when she resigned at the end of January due to family and personal circumstances.

A few weeks ago Catherine thought she was pregnant again and went to her doctor. Upon doing an ultrasound they found cancer in her lungs, her doctor then requested an MRI to be preformed. Her doctor found the cancer had rapidly spread to her brain. Her doctor wanted chemo and radiation treatments to start immediately, although they stated it was a rare case of cancer, it was treatable. On Friday February 27th Catherine took a turn for the worst. Catherine went into cardiac arrest and was put on life support. Once we received the terrible news about Catherine from our supervisors, several dispatchers went to the hospital to say our good-byes to Catherine. Catherine was taken off life support and passed away peacefully in her sleep.

Catherine leaves behind a 3 month old daughter Skylar and her husband Damien. Catherine was only 22 years old. Catherine was always full of energy and had a contagious laugh, she was never in a bad mood and always had a smile on her face. I remember when Catherine was pregnant with Skylar, she couldn't wait to see what her daughter was going to look like.

Catherine's sister is also a dispatcher for the Rowlett Police Department. Her brother in-law is a police officer for the Richardson Police Department.

Request Submitted by Kimberly Novelli – Plano , Texas DPS Communications

Additional information can be obtained via e- mail from Mark Theurer Markthe@plano.gov

Or by calling Plano dispatch at 972-941-7900

Kevin Willett
PSTC - Public Safety Training Consultants
www.pstc911.com   www.911cares.com
WK: 650-591-7911 x 102
FAX: 650-591-8911
PGR : 800-880-5277
E-mail: kevin@pstc911.com
PO Box 5508 - Redwood City , CA 94063