Federal Way’s LaJohnna Greenwood received a VITA Wireless Samaritan Award during the 17th Annual Achievement Awards in Washington D.C., last month.

The Wireless Foundation and CTIA-The Wireless Association recognized Greenwood’s actions in helping apprehend Benjamin Trinh, a man who allegedly abducted a girl from Olympic View Elementary earlier this year. Thanks to Greenwood’s subscription to Amber Alert text messages, Trinh is now in jail awaiting trial and the girl was safely returned to her family.

Greenwood, an employee at the local Target store, received an Amber Alert on her cellphone, indicating that the young girl had been abducted. While working her shift at Target, Greenwood noticed Trinh and the girl, and was able to make the connection between the pair and the text message alert she received. Although authorities arrived after Trinh and the girl left, they were able to piece together where Trinh lived from credit card records from the store.

“As inaugural supporters of Wireless AMBER Alerts since its inception in 2006, we know the first three hours after a child has been abducted are the most critical in recovery efforts. With almost 303 million wireless subscribers in the United States, cellphones play an important role in alerting consumers with information about a missing child and mean law enforcement can get almost real-time leads. LaJohnna’s story is a perfect example of how mobile devices and Wireless AMBER Alerts can help save a child. I am proud to recognize her with the VITA Wireless Samaritan Award,” said Steve Largent, president of The Wireless Foundation and president of and CEO of CTIA-The Wireless Association.

Greenwood’s selection as an award recipient was made by a panel of law enforcement and emergency response representatives. She was one of nine recipients from across the country.

The Wireless Foundation is a non-profit organization formed by member companies of CTIA-The Wireless Association in 1991. The Foundation oversees a number of programs designed to put wireless technology to work addressing the challenges of society.

 

Comment on this story.

COMMENTING RULES: We encourage an open exchange of ideas in our online community, but we ask you to follow our guidelines for respecting community standards. In a nutshell, don't say anything you wouldn't want your mother to read. Please see our FAQ if you have questions or concerns about using Facebook to comment.