Is This Really An Emergency?

Last year there was a police report in the Buffalo Grove blotter about a kid who called 911 because his dad took his Xbox away. This episode got parents talking; some were laughing, some were disgusted and some were annoyed that the police had to respond to such an incident. Many people posted the report on Facebook and comments and jokes ensued regarding the incident.

This week, as reported in the blotter, "Ten year old youth called 911 because he did not like the dinner that his father cooked for him.  The boy stated that the food was edible but that he wanted something more to his liking. Officer cautioned the boy to only call 911 for an emergency, crime, or suspicious persons and incidents."

Once again, this absurdity got a few parents talking at the bus stop, it was posted on Facebook for discussion and people were mocking this boy and his eating habits. Am I the only one that doesn't find this funny? People, this is not a joke!

I don't consider myself old fashioned but this incident really got me mad. Who are these kids that are utilizing our police force for their personal agendas? I recall with clarity teaching my kids to dial 9-1-1 on play phones as soon as they could dial it. I received books from pre-school on how to teach a young child what an emergency is and when and why they should ever call 9-1-1.  I'm an insulin dependent diabetic, so I made it clear they knew, "If mommy is sleeping on the ground, CALL 9-1-1!"

So, is it the parent's fault that these kids are abusing 911 or is it the kids of today with a sense of entitlement that has them running to the police for an "unacceptable" dinner? I'm not sure, but I know it's not funny.

As always, email me with any news, topics or ideas that you want to read about. Remember, I'd like to be the first to know! I can be reached at laurenbgpatch@aol.com.