Kelsey Pojafsky was traveling home with her dad, Paul, after spending the day helping him at his auto repair shop. Rush hour was compounded by a torrential thunderstorm. Suddenly Paul passed out behind the steering wheel and his foot was pressed on the accelerator pedal. The vehicle was spinning into on-coming traffic. Kelsey knew she had to act. She immediately turned off the engine and steered the car to a safe stop. Her quick thinking and wise actions possibly saved the lives of other motorists.

In the torrential downpour, with lightning crashing all around her, Kelsey had the fortitude and courage to get out of the car and flag down help for her dad. Nearly thirty cars passed before one finally stopped. Her dad was then transported to the hospital where he died as a result of a massive heart attack.

In the weeks following this tragedy, Kelsey was a source of incredible strength and inspiration for her family and showed maturity far beyond her ten years. Due to her bravery, Kelsey was honored with The Lee County Sheriff’s Office Do The Right Thing Award.
(North Fort Myers, Florida: 2000)
Written by Trish Routte, Lee County Sheriff’s Office