'Most Selfless Person I've Ever Met': Oceanside Hero

OCEANSIDE, CA — When times are tough, heroes emerge. We all know someone who's making a difference right now as we live through unprecedented times. Here at Patch, we've launched an initiative to help recognize these everyday heroes.

This submission comes from Danielle Delaney of Oceanside, who nominated her friend Debbie Dugan, also of Oceanside.

Where the nominee lives:

Oceanside

Name of the nominee:

Debbie Dugan

Is the nominee considered an “essential worker”?:

Yes

What does the nominee do for work?:

Debbie runs the deli department at Ralphs grocery store in San Marcos.

Why do you believe the nominee should be recognized or honored?

Debbie has faithfully shown up to work with a positive attitude ready to serve the community from the onset of the virus. The grocery business has functioned without any slow down or interruption. The massive amounts of shoppers from the early stages until now, hasn't changed much. Not only are grocery workers at a higher risk than the average person, they have their own fears and concerns. Yet, through it all, Debbie provides excellent customer service, patience and an abundant amount of compassion to her customers. It's not uncommon for Debbie to provide encouragement and hope for her customers. She maintains a positive spirit to not only her customers but her coworkers. Additionally, in the midst of this crisis, her mother passed away from COVID-19. Debbie took a couple of days off but was back to work serving the community. She has sacrificed greatly. I can't think of a more worthy person to be honored as one of our community's frontline heroes.

What's one thing you want everyone to know about your hero?:

Debbie is the most selfless person I've ever met. From the moment she wakes up until the time she goes to bed, she is thinking about how she can help others. If we all could be more other-centered, like Debbie, our world would be a better place. Debbie is truly a remarkable person.

>> Do YOU have a local hero you would like us to know about? Share their story here.

All photos included in this post are owned by identified third parties who have given Patch the right to use explicitly for the Patch Local Heroes series.