Mari Silva, a Habersham County employee, had a regular morning trip that ended up saving her life.
On June 19, Silva, a Permit & License Specialist, saw a man standing on the edge of the four-lane bridge over Highway 365 while she was on her way to work. She was the one who answered the phone as numerous drivers went past.
Given the location, I’m sure there were a lot of cars on the bridge, but Mike Beecham, the director of planning and development for Habersham County, said Mari was the one who called in with concerns.
Silva alerted Deputy Eric Luders by calling her supervisor, Troy Dills, right away. After Luders called dispatch, responding cops verified that the individual was making an attempt to leap. Habersham EMS took the agitated guy to the hospital after law police assisted in getting him to safety.
According to Beecham, this is a great illustration of an employee acting morally and demonstrating empathy for others.
A lifesaving moment and daily dedication
Joey Newkirk, a Cornelia police officer, received widespread recognition for his contribution to the rescue of the would-be bridge jumper. Silva’s contribution was acknowledged by county officials at a recent Board of Commissioners meeting in the July Employee Spotlight. Beecham commended her actions that day as well as her ongoing commitment to public service, and her family was present at the ceremony.
For clients looking for permits, licenses, and other services from the county building department, Silva is the initial point of contact. According to Beecham, she is frequently commended for her professionalism and upbeat demeanor.
Mari has been an invaluable member of the department and has taken the lead in guiding our transition to an online system for licensing and permits. In addition to these departmental duties, Mari’s proficiency in Spanish has been extremely helpful in assisting our Hispanic clients. The department has previously experienced issues due to this language barrier, which Mari has resolved for us, he said.
Silva reviews and edits Spanish-language public announcements and documentation for other agencies.
She has been crucial in assisting the county in providing services to a community that was previously underserved, Beecham continued.
You can visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org or phone or text 988 if you or someone you know is experiencing a crisis.
