Boy Calls 911 for Homework Help; Deputy Steps In

SHAWANO COUNTY, WI – A 10-year-old boy called 911 in an unusual plea for help: assistance with his math homework.

The boy admitted to dispatcher Kim Krause that he knew dialing 911 for non-emergencies was not allowed, but he said he needed help solving his decimal-based math problems. With the department not busy at the time, Krause decided to send Deputy Chase Mason to assist.

“Ma’am, I know I’m not supposed to be calling 911 for this, but I really could use some help with my homework,” the boy reportedly told Krause. 

Lt. Chris Madle of the Shawano County Sheriff’s Office shared that Krause informed Mason of the unique nature of the call, jokingly reminding him, “You’ve got a lot of pressure on you right now to help this boy with his math homework.”

Mason met with the boy and successfully guided him through his math problems. Before leaving, the deputy explained that 911 is reserved for emergencies and provided the boy with a business card containing a non-emergency contact number.

The department said they were happy to help in this case but emphasized the importance of reserving emergency lines for urgent situations.