It was almost a “Who’s on First” kind of thing.
This is the link I was originally trying to find, and just now found it again. This has BOTH 911 call transcripts from the social worker (down in the article a little way). The second 911 call was when the house exploded. It was not a whole lot better than the first (maybe a little better, because it was finally AN EMERGENCY):
http://www.dailymail.co.uk/news/article-2098876/A-history-violence-Josh-Powells-mother-filed-papers-saying-threatened-butcher-knife-teen.html
Having watched both TV specials last night, with special attention to the 911 call, I would fire that operator in an instant and make sure he never again works in a capacity where public safety is at stake.
Something is seriously missing with the guy when he wastes time playing juvenile word games with the caller. He is clearly in over his head in that job, doesn’t know what to ask, how to ask and has no discernment. But, there are many operators like this. Listening to him and reading the transcript just infuriated me.
Of course, the whole story is abysmal. Those poor little boys never had a chance.