Unexpected stories of safety, service and saving lives

Their swift and calm reaction to help came from the county’s continued emphasis on safety, training Mohrlang gained from the safety courses presented monthly to Facilities staff as well as CPR classes offered to Weld County employees. The knowledge she’s gained and been able to apply has greatly enriched her more than two-decade career with Weld County Government.

“My position with the Facilities department is rewarding,” Mohrlang said. “But knowing I made a difference in helping save someone’s life, that makes me feel particularly proud.”

In 2012, former Public Works employees Scott Crawford and Kevin Rouse encountered an auto accident in Greeley. Realizing its severity, the two used their county truck to block the intersection and turned on their overhead lights to alert traffic of the situation. After checking on vehicle occupants, they delivered first aid to the driver’s injuries — slowing bleeding and keeping the driver conscious until paramedics arrived.

The safety and CPR training offered to county employees doesn’t just stay at the workplace, however. Some situations hit a bit closer to home, such as the one that presented itself to Public Works employee Everett Stewart at a family gathering earlier this year.

“I started watching, because I noticed there was a panic at the (kitchen) table,” Stewart said, explaining his initial reaction to a relative’s baby who started choking. Acting quickly, he, along with his son-in-law, Kevin Smith, who currently works in Public Works’ Road and Bridge Division, came to the baby’s aid. The two, along with Stewart’s son, Cody, a former county Public Works employee himself, performed the Heimlich Maneuver on the baby, clearing its airway.

While some may consider these examples acts of heroism, which they are, they are also an example of the character of the people working for Weld County Government and the value they place on safety and wellness training.

“Nobody hesitated,” Stewart said, recalling the actions taken were the result of each person participating in the CPR training offered at Weld County. “All three of us who were trained immediately were going toward this baby because we all knew something was going to have to be done. And we were all calm and confident.”

CPR classes are just one of the training courses offered to employees through the county’s safety and wellness program, which is managed by Weld County Safety and Wellness Manager Kelly Leffler and Wellness Coordinator Nicole Alessi. The two began instructing the class over a year ago and estimate they’ve certified 200 employees countywide in CPR. Prior to that, the county contracted with a third party to provide the classes.

“It’s rewarding and fun,” Leffler said of instructing the classes. “When you come back and see what you’ve taught somebody and the impact it has, that’s why I do what I do.”

The reach of the county’s program extends far beyond CPR, however. The program also provides employees with information on maintaining a healthy diet, the importance of work-life balance, mental health and more. Trainings offered vary based on national trends, the evaluation of workman’s comp claims and department-specific concerns and needs.

 Some departments, like Public Works, even have their own safety day, designed to reemphasize safety concepts and training. For more than two decades, safety day has been attended by employees from all nine divisions of Public Works. The day, organized by an internal safety team within the department, features guest speakers presenting on information on different topics that impact employees. Topics change each year, but information and trainings can pertain to electrical safety, what to do when encountering snakes while out in the field, or reminders about what to do during an active threat incident.

Beyond just focusing on how to stay physically safe, Weld County’s overall safety and wellness focus also extends to mental health. Resources are offered to all employees but are especially useful to those in high-stress situations, such as dispatchers, members of the Sheriff’s Office and child care caseworkers from the Department of Human Services.

Creating a culture of safety is something Leffler has continually emphasized since joining the county in 2016. In addition to recognizing the importance of giving employees the knowledge and skills to keep themselves safe, she said concepts of safety and wellness also have a direct impact on work output, quality and efficiency.

“It shows we care for our employees,” Leffler said. “The safer and healthier our employees are, the better product (the public) will receive.” 

In 1866, John Higgon brought a claim before the Weld County Board of Commissioners that he had found a bull that escaped from its owner’s land. We’re not sure what became of the bull, but hopefully, Mr. Higgon took it in as his own or returned it to its rightful owner. For this (page 84) and more exciting historical facts about Weld County’s history, check out https://history.weldgov.com/St.-Vrain-County-Record-Book.

In our final issue of the year, we reflect on some of the big things Weld County Government accomplished this year while striving to provide the best services possible to our residents.