- May 5, 2024
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County Administrator Craig Coffey took the podium at the start of the Flagler County Board of County Commission meeting Monday, Oct. 17, to recognize a staff member.
“I’d like to recognize the heroic actions of one of your employees,” he said, “Mrs. Linda Russell.”
He went on to explain that Russell, an administrative assistant in the county administrator’s office who fields countless calls per day, soon realized after a minute or two on the line that one of her calls last week was abnormal. She learned that the resident she was speaking to was suicidal, and he was calling county offices in distress.
“Linda jumped into action,” Coffey said. “She gained critical information, then used her personal cell phone to call the sheriff.”
Russell stayed on the line with both the resident and the Sheriff’s Office, simultaneously talking down the resident and providing information to law enforcement, who contacted the resident’s family.
When family and deputies arrived at the resident’s home, Russell’s job was finished.
Coffey presented her with a “Lifesaver Award,” from the county.
“I’m speechless,” Russell said, addressing the commission. “I’m so thankful … Hopefully this gentleman got some help, and that’s what we want.”
She received a standing ovation in commission chambers.
