911 Dispatcher killed in North Texas tornadoes

GARLAND, TX - One of the victims who died when 10 tornadoes that hit North Texas Saturday, was a 911 dispatcher.

Lashondra Whitaker was driving off-duty in Garland near I-30 and the Bush Turnpike with Kimberly Trippett and her 1-year-old son Kameryn Crain.

All three were among the eight people killed in their cars when the EF4 tornado came through.

Whittaker was one of Collin County's newer employees, hired just four months ago.

Her mother says she was the jokester of the family and had law enforcement in her blood. Her father is a retired deputy and still works in Dallas County part-time. Three other siblings also wear the badge in Dallas County. Whitaker spent 13 and a half years with Dallas County before moving to Collin County.

Whitaker's fellow dispatchers say they will continue to answer the tough calls, with heavier hearts.

Melinda Urbina with the Dallas County Sheriff's Office says, "Dispatchers are hurting from the loss. You know that we wish our best to her family.  God Bless them.  Our thoughts and prayers are with them."