The Pennsylvania Department of Transportation (PennDOT) honored a maintenance employee for going above and beyond to aid a resident having a medical emergency in their driveway.
Recently, Mercer County roadway program technician Samantha VanDyke was given the Workplace Hero award for her actions on December 4, 2023.
"Public service is the foundation of PennDOT and what drives our employees to strive for excellence in everything we do. Our staff is trained with safety at the forefront of our community service. Samantha is a shining example of that philosophy," said Brian McNulty, District 1 Executive. "She was observant in her duties, identified a person in need, and took action without hesitation in order to ensure the safety of a stranger."
In the early afternoon of December 4, VanDyke was traveling along Route 418 near the City of Farrell when she noticed an older woman lying in her driveway. The woman appeared to be signaling that she needed assistance. VanDyke turned her vehicle around to investigate the situation. The woman had fallen and was unable to get up unassisted. She had been lying on the ground in temperatures in the 40s for about 20 minutes before VanDyke saw her. Along with calling 911, VanDyke used her jacket to keep the woman warm. She and another motorist, who also stopped, stayed with the woman until the ambulance arrived.
"This incident serves as a great example of VanDyke's overall attitude of service to others," said Aaron Fox, Assistant District Executive - Maintenance. "She is respected among her peers for her friendly and efficient approach in the workplace and her caring actions towards others."
For PennDOT, she serves taxpayers by handling the damage claim recovery process for Mercer County at an extremely high rate of success, managing the inventory at stock yards and assists with roadside operations in the county, and helping coordinate charity efforts among the employees.
VanDyke, who will mark her 10th anniversary with PennDOT this month, was previously given a county level award for her quick actions to help the woman that day.
Workplace Hero is an award open to PennDOT employees who, during work hours or as a representative of the department, take actions that prevent the death or serious injury of a co-worker or member of the public.
PennDOT District 1 is comprised of Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties.
Subscribe to PennDOT news and traffic alerts in Crawford, Erie, Forest, Mercer, Venango, and Warren counties at www.penndot.pa.gov/District1.
Information about infrastructure in District 1, including completed work and significant projects, is available at www.penndot.pa.gov/D1Results. Find PennDOT's planned and active construction projects at www.projects.penndot.gov.
Follow local PennDOT news on X and like the department on Facebook.
MEDIA CONTACT: Jill Harry, 814-678-5035 or jharry@pa.gov
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