Oconee Co. dispatcher welcomed home following medical emergency abroad

OCONEE COUNTY, S.C. (WSPA) – The Oconee County community welcomed home a 911 dispatcher, who had suffered a medical emergency abroad.

Members of community and Oconee County Sheriff's Office lined up in Walhalla to greet Katie Johns as she was driven to her house.

"It's an exciting day for us because one of our own is coming home," Corporal Jimmy Watt said.

"I can't describe the feeling," Johns said. "It was amazing. I can't believe they came out for me."

Johns suffered an emergency while on vacation in Ireland in August. She spent about two months in a hospital in Ireland before being transferred to a medical facility in the U.S.

Johns plans to continue her rehabilitation in the Upstate.

"I'm not able to walk without a walker," Johns said. "The only thing that's frustrating to me is not being able to do the things I used to be able to do, but I'll get there."

While she works toward her recovery, Johns said she is thankful to be back home surrounded by her family, friends and colleagues who supported her from thousands of miles away.

"I just know that prayer and God are really powerful," Johns said. "I wouldn't be here today if it wasn't for that."

Johns worked as a 911 dispatcher for 25 years. She hopes to return to her job at the dispatch center if she can improve the mobility in her hand.

"If Katie decided to come back and was able to, we would love to have her back and welcome her with open arms," Watt said.