Dispatcher Won’t Be Fired Over Error

A Laguna Beach dispatcher who failed to send a second paramedic unit to the scene of a fatal car crash last week will keep her job, the city’s police chief said Wednesday.

The unidentified senior dispatcher, who has been on the job a number of years, had received the request for an additional unit but became distracted while on the phone with the county fire department.

A unit was finally sent out after she was reminded more than nine minutes later.

“There is no reason under the circumstances that I would terminate her,” Police Chief Jim Spreine said.

“She’s a seasoned, well-qualified dispatcher. She’s not a rookie.”

Matthew Kyle Schultz, 35, of Carlsbad died at the scene of the crash, about 11:10 p.m. Saturday on El Toro Road near Laguna Canyon Road.

Schultz was struck head-on by a car driven by Derek Komorous, 26, of Aliso Viejo, who was trying to pass another vehicle, according to Laguna Beach police.

Komorous died the next day at Mission Hospital Regional Medical Center in Mission Viejo. Schultz’s wife, Jennifer Caprile Schultz, 37, had minor injuries.

Spreine said the training that dispatchers receive is extensive and includes time with a training officer and about two weeks of classes at a local community college.

The dispatcher may still face some corrective or disciplinary action, Spreine said. She has not yet been questioned regarding the incident, he added.

“I know this employee, and I know how hard she works at her job,” Spreine said. “I can assure you she’s being more critical of herself than we can ever be, ‘cause I know her. She’s a professional.”

The investigation should be completed in a matter of days.