Andover woman honored for life-saving effort at county job
Star Beacon
By DORIS COOK
Staff Writer
dcook@starbeacon.com
ANDOVER TOWNSHIP - - Ana Verba believes she was at the right place, at the right time on April 4 when she saw a co-worker choking on food at Ashtabula County Jobs & Family Services offices in the Donahoe Center.
"I just didn't have time to think. I just hit Bruce (Martin) hard on his back and it didn't help. So I grabbed him and applied the Heimlich maneuver," Verba said recalling those tense moments.
The 30-year-old mother of two young sons, a native from LaPac, Mexico, was sitting alongside Martin in the lunchroom when he appeared to be choking on a sandwich. Certified in advanced lifesaving techniques taken when she lived in Mexico, Verba immediately gave aid.
Her dark eyes sparkle as she relates that day and today is humble about her actions. "It was nothing really. I just knew what to do," she said.
On Tuesday during the Ashtabula County Commissioners session, Verba found herself in the spotlight once again. Unknown to her, she was there to receive a special commendation for her life-saving act on April 4.
"I came with my Jobs & Family supervisor, Martha Gillespie. I thought it was to observe more about county government. I had no idea I was getting this honor," she said excitedly.
Patrick Arcaro, JFS executive director, spoke some kind words about an employee and when she heard her name, Verba was completely surprised. Her husband also was invited to the brief ceremony as a surprise.
Verba came to the U.S. four years ago after meeting and marrying her husband, Robert. The couple met in Loreto, Mexico when she worked with a tourist related business firm.
"We had a real connection from the start - - like how do you say - - soul mates," she laughed. "He was in Mexico looking into an investment for his father."
As the oldest of four children, Verba said she was the last to get married. Her family gave their blessing to the couple's wedding plans and move to the U.S.
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