Public Works Crew Comes to Aid of Elderly Woman in Distress

An Orange County Public Works crew went above and beyond their duties when they assisted an elderly resident in need.

On Monday, December 2, 2024, a team of six Public Works employees—Anthony Flowers, Juneny Anthony, Martin Tolentino, Kevin Williams, Recaldo Joseph and James Leslie—were working on a street project when they noticed an elderly woman in distress outside her home.

The crew acted swiftly, calling 911 and stayed with the woman, ensuring she remained safe and calm until emergency responders arrived.

"They rushed to her side, called 911, held her hand, kept her from moving and kept her talking," wrote the woman's daughter in an email to the County. "They did all the right things under the circumstances."

Beyond their immediate response, the crew also secured the woman’s home by retrieving her car keys, purse and garage door opener, closing the garage before she was transported by ambulance.

The employees even sent flowers to her home the next day as a caring gesture.

“I shudder to think how long she may have laid in her driveway, unable to move and in pain, had these wonderful gentlemen not stepped up to help,” her daughter shared.

Orange County is proud to recognize these employees for their quick thinking, compassion and dedication to the community they serve. Their actions are a testament to the character and commitment of the Public Works team.

To thank them for their actions, Public Works Director Joe Kunkel and Deputy Directors Susan Ussach and Brett Blackadar recently treated the crew to breakfast.