SEATTLE — The 911 operator who handled a social worker’s fearful call that Josh Powell might harm his young sons has received a harsh letter of reprimand.
The letter of reprimand obtained by the Salt Lake Tribune is from the communications director at the Law Enforcement Support Agency, the agency that runs the 911 call center.
The letter outlines four policies the 911 operator violated and mentions portions of the call.
“But I think I need help right away. He’s on a very short leash with DSHS, and CPS has been involved, and I’d like to pull out of the driveway because I smell gasoline, and he won’t let me in,” said social worker Elizabeth Griffin-Hall.
Despite Hall’s concerns, the operator, David Lovrak, continued to question the social worker and 22 minutes passed before help arrived at the Graham house.
By then, Powell had blown the home up with himself and his sons inside.
Powell was a person of interest in the 2009 disappearance of his wife, Susan.
The communications officer chastised Lovrak, saying he violated LESA’s policy to be “responsive to the requests made by its customers.”
The communications director said the public's trust has been shaken.
The letter is the only punishment Lovrak will receive.
Meanwhile, documents in the Powell investigation in Utah will not be released by the city of West Valley.
The Salt Lake Tribune wanted police records about Powell and argued since Powell killed himself and his two sons, the records should no longer be protected.
The city manager denied the request.
The West Valley City Council upheld that decision and said releasing them could interfere with an ongoing investigation.
KIRO
