The Berrien County Sheriff’s Department has honored a road department employee for his efforts to save a life during the Christmas blizzard. Jerry Peters of the Berrien County Road Department received a Sheriff’s Award for Excellence Thursday. The sheriff says Peters was clearing snowdrifts on Euclid Avenue in Benton Township around 3 a.m. on December 26 when he spotted what he thought looked like a large black bag on the side of the road. He got out to investigate and it turned out to be an unconscious woman. He called for help. Speaking Thursday, Berrien County Administrator Brian Dissette said the honor for Peters is well-deserved.
“During the blizzard, I’ve mentioned to some of you the staff did some really good work,” Dissette said. “I was thrilled that [Berrien County Road Department Director Mark Heyliger] brought to my attention what he had done on that life saving effort, and I was thrilled that the sheriff jumped up and said he was happily recognize him.”
The 29-year-old woman turned out to be homeless and intoxicated. The sheriff’s department says in those conditions, she easily could have died, but was able to get treatment and suffered no injury. When taken to the hospital, she was also provided with information on available social services to assist her in the future.
