Kelly Dalton, left, and Holly Keppel, center, were honored during the recent Chautauqua County Legislature meeting by County Executive PJ Wendel. The two women, along with Francis Martinez, helped a distraught woman who was standing on the ledge of the Jamestown Parking Garage get down and get help. P-J photo by Gregory Bacon

Three Chautauqua County employees are being hailed as heroes for their work in helping a distraught woman from possibly harming herself.

Holly Keppel, Kelly Dalton, and Francis Martinez were at work at the South County Office Building’s Medicaid Office on Feb. 6 when they noticed a woman standing on the ledge of the downtown Jamestown parking garage. The woman appeared distraught and was leaning over the edge.

Realizing the urgency of the situation, they acted immediately.

The three employees quickly placed a sign in the window asking if she was OK. When she shook her head “no,” they immediately alerted their supervisor and rushed to her side. By the time they reached her, the woman had placed one leg over the ledge.

Thinking quickly, they engaged her in conversation. Noticing her phone lying on the ground, one of the employees asked if they could hand it to her. She replied that the phone was dead and needed charging. Without hesitation, one worker offered a charger, using the moment to build trust and coax the woman away from the ledge.

County Executive PJ Wendel praised the women during the recent legislature meeting.

“These three county employees perfectly represent Chautauqua County and our mission to serve the residents,” he said.

Wendel noted that thanks to their quick thinking and compassionate approach, Keppel, Dalton and Martinez were able to help the woman down safely and bring her into the South County Office Building, where they provided her with snacks, charged her phone, and called mobile crisis services to ensure she received the support she needed.

In recognition of their efforts, the county presented the women with certificates of appreciation for going above and beyond in their duties.

“The selflessness and quick thinking demonstrated by Holly, Kelly, and Francis is a testament to the values we uphold in Chautauqua County. They saw a resident in distress and took immediate action, potentially saving a life. Their dedication to the well-being of our community embodies the very essence of public service,” Wendel said. “On behalf of Chautauqua County, we thank Holly, Kelly, and Francis for their professionalism, compassion, and unwavering commitment to our residents. Their actions serve as a reminder of the critical role our county employees play in fostering a supportive and caring community.”