911 operator opens up about taking McNair school shooting call

DEKALB COUNTY, Ga. — Channel 2 Action News talked to the DeKalb County 911 operator who was involved in the McNair school shooting incident last week.

Monday was Kendra McCray first day back at work.

"Was I nervous? Absolutely. Gunshots in your ear, someone's life in your hands. Yes, very nervous," McCray told Channel 2's Erica Byfield.

McCray has worked as a DeKalb 911 operator for eight-and-a-half years.

She said within 30 seconds of answering the phone on Aug. 20, she knew it was a life-and-death situation.

"At that point it was my job to keep her calm," McCray said, referencing McNair school bookkeeper, Antoinette Tuff, on the other end of the phone.

At the time McNair Discovery Learning Academy was full of children and their teachers.

Police later identified the gunman as Michael Hill, who they said walked into the elementary school armed with an AK-47 and hundreds of rounds of ammunition.

Police arrested Hill 24 minutes after Tuff called 911.

McCray told Byfield she finally felt like she could breathe when police stormed into the building and arrested Hill.

"I was extremely emotional after all of this was said and done," McCray said. "I was like thank you lord so much for answering prayers. I had to give my honor to God because I know that this situation was in his hands from the time the call clicked in my ear."

WSBTV