A routine morning commute turned into a life-saving moment for Habersham County employee Mari Silva.
Silva, a Permit & License Specialist, was driving to work on June 19 when she noticed a man standing on the edge of the four-lane bridge over Highway 365. While many drivers passed by, she was the one who picked up the phone.
“I imagine, given the location, there were numerous vehicles on the bridge, but it was Mari that called in with concerns,” said Mike Beecham, Habersham County’s Director of Planning and Development.
Silva immediately called her supervisor, Troy Dills, who alerted Deputy Eric Luders. Luders contacted dispatch, and responding officers confirmed the man was attempting to jump. Law enforcement helped get the distraught man to safety, and Habersham EMS transported him to the hospital.
“This is an excellent example of an employee showing empathy for someone and doing the right thing,” Beecham said.
A lifesaving moment and daily dedication
Cornelia Police Officer Joey Newkirk was publicly praised for his role in saving the would-be bridge jumper. County leaders recognized Silva’s role during a recent Board of Commissioners meeting in the July Employee Spotlight. Her family attended the ceremony as Beecham praised both her actions that day and her daily dedication to public service.
Silva is the first point of contact for customers seeking permits, licenses, and other services from the county building department. Beecham said she constantly receives compliments for her professionalism and positive attitude.
“Mari has been invaluable to the department and has helped lead the way in our transitioning with the online permitting and licensing system. In addition to these department functions, Mari has been very valuable in helping our Hispanic customers, given her ability to speak Spanish. This language barrier has caused problems for the department in the past, which Mari has solved for us,” he said.
Other departments rely on Silva to review and modify documents and public announcements created in Spanish.
Beecham added, “She has been instrumental in helping the county serve a previously underserved population.”
If you or someone you know is in crisis, call or text 988 or visit the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline at 988lifeline.org.
