Murrietta Police Department (CA) Dispatcher Dies

The Murrieta Police Department family is sad to announce the passing of one of our 911-Emergency Dispatchers this morning, Ms. Leanna McConnaughey.  Leanna was working in our Dispatch Center last night and was nearing the end of her shift about 12 am (midnight) when she was feeling light-headed and had shortness of breath.  Murrieta Fire Department Paramedics were called to the Dispatch Center.  Leanna was transported to Rancho Springs Medical Center for evaluation.  At the hospital, it was determined she had blood clots in her lungs, so she was formally admitted into the hospital.  It was anticipated she would remain in the hospital for several days until the blood clots subsided.   However, shortly after 9 am this morning, Leanna collapsed in her hospital room.  The hospital staff worked to resuscitate her for over an hour, but despite their best efforts were unable to revive her.

Leanna was engaged to be married to her fiancé Tim Collie in May of this year. 

Leanna has been employed by the City of Murrieta for the past 6 years.  Since 2004 Leanna has been responsible for dispatching Police & Fire calls and answering public safety phone calls.  Leanna was the police department’s Civilian Employee of the Year in 2006.  In 2007, she was awarded the California Public Safety Radio Association “Dispatcher of the Year” Award.

Prior to working for Murrieta, Leanna was employed by the Riverside County Sheriff’s Department for 4 years.

Cards of support and sympathy can be sent to:

Murrietta Police Department
Communications Division
24701 Jefferson Avenue
Murrieta, CA 92562-7294