Two Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) workers received special recognition from the Plano Police Department for their quick actions that led to locating a missing person with Autism. The ceremony, which took place on February 15th, honored Sharon Paramo and bus operator Sharon Curry-Phillips with the City of Plano Outstanding Citizen Hero Award. Police Chief Ed Drain expressed deep gratitude for their role in finding Ja’Kerrione Harper, who had gone missing back in November 2023.
According to the Plano Texas Police Department, Ja’Kerrione was critically missing due to his medical condition and limited non-verbal communication skills, making it imperative to rapidly find him. Despite extensive efforts to locate the young man through various channels, it was ultimately the diligence of Paramo and Curry-Phillips that led to the happy ending. A press release by the police had earlier gone out, asking the public to be on the lookout for Ja’Kerrione.
Sharon Paramo, upon speaking with a detective, agreed to distribute a Missing Person Bulletin to her colleagues. This proved to be crucial when Sharon Curry-Phillips, after reviewing the bulletin, identified Ja’Kerrione at her bus stop. Both DART employees then took care to stay with him, ensuring his safety until the authorities arrived. Their actions were not just commendable but exemplified the significant impact that attentive community members can have in critical situations.
Chief Drain, during the award presentation, said, “We thank you all for your exceptional service, dedication, and teamwork.” The efforts of the DART employees and the Plano Police Department underscored the importance of swift collaboration and communication, which can often make all the difference when attempting to safely recover individuals facing such vulnerabilities. Ja'Kerrione Harper was reunited with his family after being missing for two days, thanks to the alertness and commitment of the community members involved, per the Plano Texas Police Department.
The recognition of Sharon Paramo and Sharon Curry-Phillips highlights a community's capacity to rally together when one of its own is in need. Their quick thinking and proactive measures serve as a vital reminder of the role that each citizen plays in safeguarding the welfare of those around them, especially the most vulnerable. As acknowledged by the Plano Police, these are the actions that truly make a positive and tangible difference in our communities.
