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Cops get call about woman in wheelchair trapped inside home & feel bad for her when they see her home
When officers arrived at her home they quickly realized the problem but had a hard time walking away without trying their hardest to help her first.
Emma Shallcross
04.16.21

Wheelchair users are dependant on accessible areas, so when a disabled woman’s home ramp became unusable, she was essentially isolated in her own house.

The woman from Tallahassee, Florida, sent out a distress call to her local sheriff’s office in the hopes that they would be able to help.

The result was better than the woman could have imagined.

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

In response to the call, the Leon County Sheriff’s Office’s entire Bravo Alpha shift went above and beyond, working together to fit a new ramp.

12 employees spent almost 8 hours removing the old ramp and constructing a brand new one so that the woman would be able to go down her ramp and access the outside world.

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

Sometimes, all that’s needed is a bit of empathy.

Something that Sgt William Punausuia, one of the officers who helped build the ramp, felt all too strongly.

“I felt for her because I wouldn’t want to be (locked) in my house,” he said. “With COVID and everything people want to be out and doing things… and as a law enforcement agency we’re good at helping people.”

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

After realizing that her ramp was no longer fit for use, the poor woman hadn’t known who to call.

While we’re not given much insight into her situation, the sad reality is that many people don’t have friends or family members living close by that they can turn to in times of need.

“The route of the problem was that no one was helping her and she didn’t know who to get in contact with,” Sgt Punausuia said. “So I reached out to some people and they started helping out-and this is where I’m at today.”

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

It’s easy to forget that a police officer’s job isn’t just about enforcing the law. They’re often the first point of call for vulnerable people who don’t know who else to turn to.

Sgt Punausuia hopes that the officers’ kind actions will remind people of the important role that police officers play in helping out the community.

“It’s not just necessarily enforcing laws and responding to calls; it’s whatever we can do to make our community great and help others. It’s how I was raised, and it’s what most law enforcement officers believe in,” he said.

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

Last Sunday, the sheriff’s office proudly shared a video of their team building the new ramp onto their Facebook page, along with the caption:

“Last Friday, our deputies responded to a call for assistance from a citizen who was in distress. After speaking with the citizen and seeing the condition of her wheelchair ramp, deputies realized she wasn’t able to leave her home.

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

In a charge led by Deputy Mark McGowan and the entire Bravo Alpha shift, during their personal time, decided to build her a new ramp!

All lumber and other materials were provided by Ability1st and bulk pickup from Leon County Public Works Department. This is what #ALLinLEON is about! Great job team!”

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

The video, which received over 46k views, features an interview with both Deputy Mark McGowan, as well as the woman who had needed the new ramp.

The woman was blown away with the help that she received, and became teary as she told the camera that she “never would have expected this.” She added, “I’m more grateful than you could ever know.”

Leon County Sherrif's Office
Source:
Leon County Sherrif's Office

What an amazing response from the Leon County Sheriff’s Office! Scroll down to watch the video for yourself below.

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