Published Caption: Cathleen Allison/Nevada Appeal
Peggy Willis, a contracted custodian for the state, was nominated in the Workplace Hero category after she saved the life of a co-worker who suffered heart failure at his desk.
On Feb. 18, 2009, Willis was performing her morning duties at the State of Nevada's Computer Facility when she noticed facility supervisor Dennis Sannebeck slumped over his desk.
"Peggy had the presence of mind and emotional strength to gather up several employees to perform CPR while she went for the facility's AED (Defibrillator). Following the AEDs directions, she applied the paddles and voltages to Dennis' body," said Kevin Baily, Willis' supervisor. "Ms. Willis' deliberate and heroic action brought Dennis back to life."
Baily noted that after all the commotion was over and Sanneback was being taken to the hospital, Willis resumed her work.
"Peggy Willis is a real hero who has extraordinary courage," said Bailey.
"She is most deserving."
Willis said she was surprised by the nomination.
"I hope anybody I know would do the same. I just thought I was being a normal person," she said. "I just thought it was business as usual."