HENDRY COUNTY - Sandy Lepley, of Ft. Myers Beach, recently sent a special thank you to Hendry County Sheriff’s Office (HCSO) Deputy Oscar Gonzalez.

While traveling through Hendry County on March 25, Sandy had an unexpected flat tire and had to pull over on a busy spot on the US 27 ramp and SR 80, in Clewiston.

She explained she had difficulty pulling over and ended up partially in the roadway. Realizing she was in a bad spot, she expressed she was very afraid and immediately called for assistance from the local agency and AAA.

After some time went by she noticed a Hendry County Sheriff’s Deputy vehicle approaching that ultimately stopped to check on her.

Deputy Oscar Gonzalez introduced himself and directed her to go stand in a safe area while he checked out the vehicle. Deputy Oscar Gonzalez then changed her tire and afterward followed her to the tire shop in Clewiston to ensure she arrived safely.

Ms. Lepley expressed over and over how much it meant to her that someone would go above and beyond to assist her while ensuring she remained safe.

The HCSO congratulated Deputy Oscar Gonzalez for his exemplary actions and thanked Sandy Lepley for contacting the office to share her story with them.