THREE people – THREE heroic acts.
To them, it is something they do every day, but to the Habersham County Board of Commissioners, it was “unconscious heroism”. Three individuals, whose heroic acts are part of their daily routine, were recognized for their quick responses to emergencies at the Habersham County Senior Center.
Gratitude expressed
On Tuesday night, January 16, the Board of Commissioners expressed their gratitude for what these three people.
The incidents occurred within a week. The first involved a client who sat in a chair that broke, the second saw a significant drop in a client’s oxygen level, and the third required the Heimlich maneuver for a client with food caught in her throat.
Three acts of heroism
Laureen Pemberton and Sonya Turgeon, both employed at the Senior Center, responded promptly to the first two incidents, ensuring the safety of the clients involved. Senior Center Director Kathy Holcomb praised their swift actions, stating, “Our No. 1 goal at the Senior Center is to come in every day and be the best we can be to care for our senior citizens.”
During the third incident, Sonya Turgeon took control and began administering the Heimlich maneuver. Joshua Haynie, a care provider present at the scene, stepped in to assist and completed the maneuver. A Habersham County Emergency Services ambulance promptly responded to each incident, further emphasizing the coordinated effort to address emergencies effectively.
Standing ovation
The three heroes—Joshua Haynie, Sonya Turgeon, and Laureen Pemberton—received a well-deserved standing ovation from the capacity crowd present at the commissioners’ meeting. The recognition serves as a reminder that heroism can be found in the everyday actions of individuals who rise to the occasion to ensure the safety and well-being of others.
“The county leadership believes in our people and lifts them in praise for a job well done,” Holcomb said. “We know receiving praise was never your intention; however, we want you to know how appreciated you are in this community.”
