HarQen’s Kris Gosser may be known as our Swiss Army Knife. As of tonight, he has a new title: Hero.

A mother whose disappearance prompted an Amber Alert for her three young children was pulled over and taken into custody Monday when Kris recognized her car from the alert given over the radio. Kris realized that the car being described on air was directly in front of him. He stayed on the phone with a 911 dispatcher for 20 minutes until the police could intercept the vehicle.

Thanks to Kris’s attentiveness, all three children are safe.

Lavatta Smith, 34, was stopped in Kenosha County and taken into custody without incident, according to the Wisconsin State Patrol. Smith and three of her kids — 9-year-old son Javious Thicklen, 7-year-old daughter Jaleiah Thicklen and 4-year-old daughter Katera Thicklen — had last been seen Sunday afternoon when police were called to investigate a fire in the garage of Smith’s Milwaukee home. Because the flames were so close to the home officers forced their way into the house, where they found no one, Milwaukee police Chief Edward Flynn said.

“The home was found to be uninhabitable,” Flynn said. “There was no food nor was there any clothing anywhere on the premises.” He said the fire was suspicious but declined to elaborate.

Investigators grew concerned after family and community members told them Smith had a history of mental-health problems and “aberrant” behaviors, Flynn said.

Flynn said officers had brought Smith to a hospital two months ago and filed to have her involuntarily committed. Unbeknownst to officers, she left the hospital without being evaluated, Flynn said.

As a parent of two young girls, my heart drops every time an Amber Alert is issued. It’s so easy to tune out the pleas for help or be overwhelmed by their simple stark reality. Kris is an extraordinary person. His actions today remind me how powerful it is to be connected and present. Being willing to listen through the ugly reality can create change — even save lives. Next time I am tempted to change the station or divert my attention, I will think of Kris and what he did today.

What an honor it is to work with you, Kris! You continue to be my teacher.

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