The employees in the Fiscal Management Division of the Department of Administration are highly focused on monitoring limited state resources and ensuring that every penny of our budget is used as intended. Indeed, they are so good at what they do that I am no longer surprised when they catch errors or make suggestions that save money.
I was surprised, however, when I learned that one of my staff saved a life this week. Accountant Tracy Howell had been in Durham for an evening activity. She recalled passing a gentleman on the street who seemed to be trying to stay out of the sun. After the meeting, she observed him again – unconscious and sprawled on the sidewalk.
Accompanied by her father, they approached the man, who was unresponsive. She called 911 and was asked to check if he had a pulse, which he did not. Police and Fire & Rescue soon arrived and performed CPR for about 10 minutes, finally reviving him.
After the fellow was taken by ambulance for additional treatment, Tracy was told that had she not taken the time to stop and call 911, the man likely would not have survived.
On behalf of Tracy’s colleagues at Fiscal Management and all of the Department of Administration, we thank her for demonstrating the humanity and care to which we all should aspire.