Friends rally to help dispatcher

Friends of long-time ICOM dispatcher Laurel Goodwin are rallying to help her in her time of need by sponsoring an estate sale Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17, at her residence at 686 NE O’Leary St. in Oak Harbor.

Friends of long-time ICOM dispatcher Laurel Goodwin are rallying to help her in her time of need by sponsoring an estate sale Friday, July 16 and Saturday, July 17, at her residence at 686 NE O’Leary St. in Oak Harbor.

Proceeds will help Goodwin with her medical expenses and personal bills. Donations are also being accepted at any branch of Whidbey Island Bank.

Goodwin has been a resident of Oak Harbor for approximately 60 years, having graduated from Oak Harbor High School in 1967. She was a dispatcher for the Oak Harbor police from 1986 until ICOM was formed in 1997, and has worked for ICOM since opening day.

On Wednesday, July 7, Goodwin did not show up for her 7 a.m. shift at ICOM. She was found on the floor of her home, having suffered a massive stroke on Sunday, July 5. She was quickly transported to Whidbey General Hospital where she was treated with the utmost dignity and respect until here release on Saturday, July 10, to the Bothell Life Care Center where she will undergo physical and therapeutic rehabilitation.

The community is encouraged to attend the estate sale or make a donation at Whidbey Island Bank.

“Thank you from all the supervisors at Island County 911,” said Yvette Sandefur, ICOM supervisor.