Holland village council commended two maintenance department employees for recognizing a young female in distress and coming to her aid.
At the February 20 meeting, Julius (Doc) Sheldon and Mark Jennings were commended for their actions which led to a 15-year-old being reunited with her family in Cleveland.
The incident occurred February 6 when the two were working at Strawberry Acres Park and saw the teen, who appeared to be in distress, explained Interim Police Chief Jim Piotrowski.
Unable to get the teen to respond to questions, the men contacted the police department, who responded and began an investigation.
Through conversation, police learned the girl had been reported missing on January 24 from Cleveland and that she had possibly been abducted and was being held in Toledo.
The victim told police she escaped her captor in Toledo and found her way to Holland.
“This young girl did not have any contact with her family from the date she went missing until this date when she was reunited with her family members, who are forever grateful for your actions,” Mayor Ryan Spangler said.
He lauded the men for their actions based on observations, instincts and an “overall gut feeling.”
“Mr. Skeldon and Mr. Jennings, it was because of your actions–after making the observations you did and contacting the Holland Police Department–that this victim was able to receive the critical treatment and medical attention she desperately needed,” the mayor added.
He reminded council and area residents that there is a national campaign through the Department of Homeland Security that encourages everyone that if they “See Something, Say Something.”
“That is exactly what you both did, and it is very clear that your actions helped save this girl from further harm.” The mayor concluded, “The two of you are to be commended for a job well done. Your actions did not go unnoticed by the victim’s family, Holland police, village administrator, council members and myself. Keep up the good work.”
For their actions, Interim Chief Piotrowski presented the men with citizen awards. ~Jane Maiolo
