Gary Winfield

Looney, Fasano, Winfield Honor Local Call Center Hero

Senators Martin Looney and Gary Winfield applaud Frontier Communications call center representative John Pelow as he accepts a citation on behalf of the Connecticut General Assembly.

New Haven—New Haven lawmakers today recognized a local Frontier Communications call center employee for his heroic actions while on the job. Senate President Martin M. Looney, Senate Minority Leader Len Fasano, and Senator Gary Winfield presented a citation to John Pelow in recognition of his quick thinking when on the phone with a customer who was overcome by a medical emergency.

On July 10, Pelow was on the phone with a Suffield customer when she began experiencing slurred speech. The customer, Joyce Crawford managed to communicate that she thought she was having a stroke or a TIA. John called an ambulance and stayed on the line with Crawford until paramedics arrived.

“John Pelow proved that you don’t need to wear a cape to be a hero,” said Senator Looney. “His quick thinking and calm response helped save a life.”

“Mr. Pelow went above and beyond his job description to help a customer that was in serious trouble,” said Senator Fasano. “He helped save a life. I applaud John and I thank Frontier for maintaining a strong community based workforce here in New Haven and throughout the state. John’s professionalism and heroic efforts deserve to be celebrated.”

“For many of us, when we leave for work we expect that the day is going to be routine,” said Senator Winfield. “Mr. Pelow had the routine of his day interrupted by an emergency, and his response in that situation saved Ms. Crawford’s life. I was happy to applaud Mr. Pelow for his actions that day on the phones for Frontier Communications. Mr. Pelow’s actions serve as a friendly reminder heroes do walk among us.”

The General Assembly citation presented to Pelow is in recognition of Pelow’s, “extraordinary lifesaving efforts during a call with a Frontier customer,” the citation reads. “We are extremely grateful for your professionalism in rendering aid to the customer. Your personal efforts are deeply appreciated by your peers, our community and the State of Connecticut. You went above the call of duty and displayed tremendous courage and heroism in caring for a customer in need. Great Job!”

Joyce Crawford also had kind words about the person she credits with saving her life.

“If it wasn’t for John’s calm, level demeanor I would have been in serious trouble,” said Crawford. “John’s instinctive responses revealed his dedication and his outstanding qualities as an employee and as a person.”

“Truly amazing,” said Cecilia McKenney, EVP, Chief Customer Officer at Frontier. “When we learned of John and Mrs. Crawford’s story we all marveled at John’s intuitive heroism and his natural instinct to help. I for one am privileged to work with John! Thank you to John for living our company values in such an amazing way.”

“This is a truly heroic story about a member in our Frontier Family and John Pelow’s actions showcase the real commitment our employees have to their communities and the people they serve,” said Senior Vice President & General Manager for Connecticut Paul Quick. “I am proud to have John on our team.”

Pelow lives in Newington and has been working in the New Haven call center for 15 years.