City employee saves young girl from dog attack

(TULSA, Okla.) Two employees were recognized Monday for their tireless efforts to improve safety culture at the City of Tulsa. City Star, a City of Tulsa safety awards and recognition program, was awarded to Kelli Canup and Connie Demoret, employees who both work at the City’s Water and Sewer Department. Kelli was recently in the field on work-related business when she saw a dog attacking a young lady with other dogs nearby. Thanks to her training, she was able to scare the dogs away, provide first aid and get the young girl back home safely. Kelli has been with the City nearly 14 years and in her spare time she helps others by serving as an avid blood donor. She’s donated more than 9 gallons of blood to the American Red Cross, meaning she’s donated more than 70 times. Connie has been with the City for more than 24 years. Before moving to her current position of Quality Assurance and Safety Officer, she served as the City’s Environmental Chemist for 14 years. Because of her efforts, the water quality assurance audits have been outstanding. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from Oklahoma State University and is a member of the American Chemical Society. She will be retiring later this week on August 1. “Being a world-class City starts with our internal efforts to improve safety within City departments,” Mayor G.T. Bynum said. “When employees practice safety, it not only makes the community and working environment safer, it saves taxpayer money on medical and leave expenses. I’m incredibly grateful for the heart of service these women have poured into the City over the years.” The City thanks both Connie and Kelli for their safety efforts and service to the citizens of Tulsa.