Flagler County deputy recognized for helping elderly woman

Deputy Erik Pedersen bought a new phone for 94-year-old woman

FLAGLER COUNTY, Fla. – A Flagler County sheriff's deputy is being recognized for helping an elderly woman who didn't have a working phone in her home.

Deputy Erik Pedersen was on patrol Saturday when he was dispatched to 94-year-old Ann Parker's home for a wellness check.  Her friend said she'd been trying to call Parker, but the phone just kept ringing.

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Pedersen arrived at Parker's home and found her safe, but learned her home phone was broken and she couldn't get to the store to purchase a new one.

"Although I had checked on Mrs. Parker and verified that she was okay, I couldn't leave her without a way to call for help if she needed it. I went to ACE Hardware in Bunnell and purchased the only phone they had for sale and took it to her," said Deputy Pedersen.

The sheriff's office was unaware of Deputy Pedersen's act of kindness until Mrs. Parker mailed a handwritten letter to the sheriff.

"Our telephone had been broken for quite some time and we had no connection to the outside world. Officer Pedersen is a wonderful young man, courteous and kind and would not take reimbursement," Parker wrote.

Sheriff James Manfre said Deputy Pedersen is an outstanding law enforcement officer who went above and beyond to help a citizen.

Pedersen has worked for the sheriff's office for the past ten years.