November 18, 2025 – Placer County Sheriff's Office officials report that when a 911 call came in about a 2-year-old who was unconscious and not breathing on November 1st, Dispatcher Valerie Bradley immediately sprang into action. Remaining calm and focused, she guided the child’s father through CPR instructions while fire units were dispatched to the scene.

Within just four minutes, South Placer Fire District arrived and took over life-saving efforts. Thanks to Valerie’s clear direction and the father’s quick response, firefighters arrived to find high-quality CPR already in progress, a critical factor that helped save the child’s life.

Valerie’s composure and expertise were recognized by members of the South Placer Fire Department, who she dispatched to the scene. They presented her with a “Field Save” challenge coin in appreciation of her life-saving efforts.

The child was transported to the hospital and will be okay.

Calls like these are deeply emotional and can take a toll on dispatchers, who often carry the weight of the moments they guide others through. Valerie’s calm professionalism and compassion in a critical situation embody the very best of public safety dispatching.

Outstanding work, Valerie we are so grateful to have you on our team!

Source & photo: Placer County Sheriff's Office