Photo submitted to Times Observer PennDOT honored Venango County Equipment Operator Mindy McFetridge on Wednesday, Dec. 22, with a Workplace Hero award. Pictured (from left) are: Venango County Maintenance Manager Paula Klingler, McFetridge, District 1 Executive Brian McNulty, and Assistant District Executive Doug Schofield.

No one wants to get stranded in a cellular dead-zone in Warren County, especially in the winter.

But, if they do, they’d appreciate some help.

PennDOT has honored one of its Venango County maintenance employees with a Workplace Hero award for going above and beyond to help.

On Nov. 15, equipment operator Mindy McFetridge was driving with her daughter in the area of Grand Valley. They noticed a vehicle stopped on the side of the road.

When they came back through an hour later and the vehicle was still there, they stopped.

She found Timothy and Anita Wahl in the vehicle and asked how she could help.

“Cell phone reception in that area was unreliable and the weather was wintry and cold,” according to PennDOT. “McFetridge offered to assist with locating towing services for the couple, who are from New York state.”

She didn’t stop there.

“Along with making the phone calls and tracking down a hauler who could cross state lines, McFetridge offered the out-of-area visitors food and shelter from the chilly temperatures,” PennDOT said.

“Early the next morning, the Wahls finally arrived home, safe in major part because of McFetridge’s actions and dedication to community service,” according to PennDOT.

“I cannot express to you how hopeless our situation felt to us,” Timothy Wahl wrote to PennDOT.”

“We are new to the area and had no one to call,” he said. “To have a stranger open her heart and home to help us was nothing short of a miracle.”

McFetridge is a nine-year employee with PennDOT Venango County and works out of the Pleasantville maintenance facility.

A small ceremony was held Wednesday, Dec. 22, to honor her.

“PennDOT is an organization based on service to the public, and our employees work every day to fulfill that mission,” District 1 Executive Brian McNulty said. “Mindy is a great example of how the community service mindset can positively impact the lives of strangers and how kindness can be life-saving.”

“It could happen to anyone,” McFetridge said. “All you can do is hope that someone else would help you. Around here, lending a helping hand is just what we do.”

“We are proud to have Mindy as part of our team and not surprised at all by her actions,” Venango County Maintenance Manager Paula Klingler said. “It is in her nature to care about her community and help others without hesitation. She is the definition of excellent customer service.”