On Thursday January 12, 2023 Sheriff Paul Bailey presented a “Sheriff’s Award for Excellence” to Jerry Peters of the Berrien County Road Department at the Berrien County Board of Commissioners meeting. The award information is listed below:


Sheriff’s Award for Excellence – Jerry Peters, Berrien County Road Department

Left to Right–Sheriff Paul Bailey, BCRD Director Mark Heyliger, Jerry Peters and Vice-Chair Teri Freehling


On December 26, 2022 at approximately 3:00 AM Jerry Peters, an employee of the Berrien County Road Department was clearing snowdrifts in Benton Charter Township following a severe winter blizzard. At this time, Jerry Peters was operating a Berrien
County Road Department grader with a V plow on Euclid Ave, in the extreme cold, when he observed what he thought looked like a large black bag on the side of the road. Jerry Peters knew this seemed odd and that something wasn’t right, he stopped his
vehicle to investigate further. Once he got closer, Jerry determined that the object was actually an unresponsive female. He immediately contacted first responders, who quickly arrived on scene and were able to wake up the individual.


The first responders were able to determine that this 29 year old female was highly intoxicated, homeless, and that she had “blacked out”.


Law Enforcement and Medical personnel had the individual transported to Corewell Health Lakeland in St Joseph for further medical treatment and for her to receive information on available social services to assist her in the future.


Based upon the weather conditions at the time of this incident this 29 year old female could of easily sustained harm, such as hypothermia or potentially death. Due to the actions of Jerry Peters this individual received appropriate medical care and sustained no physical injuries. The actions of Jerry Peters, such as his resourcefulness, perseverance, and attention to detail were instrumental in ensuring this female received proper medical
care.


Therefore, Jerry Peters is being commended for his excellent performance, which potentially saved a life. Jerry Peters is being presented with the “Sheriff’s Award for Excellence.

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