Almost a year ago, my life partner experienced a life-threatening motorcycle crash on Lofton Road. His injuries included a dislocated shoulder, a collapsed lung and extensive damage to his spinal vertebrae. He was lucky to not have been paralyzed and, had it not been for the quick actions of our neighbor, Bryant Culpepper, he probably would not have survived.

Commissioner Culpepper has spent the better part of his life in public service — as a first responder in South Florida and now as a county commissioner here in Okeechobee. Whether a blessing or a curse, he seems to have a knack for showing up just in the nick of time. He has intervened in almost a dozen incidents where, had it not been for his quick and expert actions, several people would have died.

I have the utmost respect and undying gratitude for his profound dedication to helping his community and what can only be described as heroism in emergency situations.