LEELANAU COUNTY — A routine service call in Northport turned into a life-saving moment after a garage door technician returned to a customer’s home and found her seriously injured.
James Pepper, a service technician, had just finished installing a new garage door and left the residence when he realized equipment had fallen out of his truck. As he retraced his route, he returned to the home and discovered the homeowner had slipped on ice in the driveway and broken her ankle.
The woman, later identified as Dawn Mork, had crawled to her front door but was locked out and unable to call for help. Her husband could not hear her from inside the house.
Pepper immediately stepped in, helping Mork get inside, calling 911, and staying with her until emergency crews arrived. He also helped make sure her husband had what he needed once she was taken to the hospital.
Mork later required surgery for her injury and is now recovering. She says she is grateful Pepper returned when he did, calling his actions a turning point in what could have been a far more serious situation.
Pepper says he hopes the story serves as a reminder to look out for one another, especially during the winter months when icy conditions can quickly turn dangerous.