Denice Miracle was working at the airport’s check-in counter when two teenage girls approached her for check-in.
Although they were alone and lacked identification, Denice became suspicious after taking their tickets.
Upon entering the tickets into the system, she made a shocking discovery that prompted her to take immediate action.
Each of us can make a difference while traveling by being observant and offering help when needed. Simple gestures can brighten someone’s day.
Denice, an airport check-in staff member, went above and beyond during one of her shifts, making a crucial decision that most would find unthinkable.
Two girls at the counter
Denice encounters numerous travelers daily, but a small detail changed everything when two teenage girls approached her desk.
The girls, aged 15 and 17, raised Denice’s suspicion as they lacked luggage and identification, and were unaccompanied. Her close examination of their tickets revealed an alarming truth.
Denice noticed that the online-purchased tickets did not match the girls’ names, and they were pricey first-class tickets.
Concerned, Denice promptly contacted the sheriff, leading to a revelation when the girls were questioned at the airport.
Called the police
The tickets’ purchaser’s identity differed from the girls’, raising suspicions. Moreover, the lack of a return flight on the tickets signaled a grave situation.
Sheriff Todd Sanderson, the case’s lead, firmly believes that Denice’s intervention prevented the girls from falling into the hands of human traffickers for forced prostitution.
A social media contact had promised the girls modeling work and video appearances in New York without their parents’ knowledge.
Sanderson emphasized the high likelihood of the girls facing trafficking if Denice hadn’t acted promptly.
Praised as a hero: “So proud”
The man involved managed to evade investigation by deleting his social media account, but Denice’s heroic actions were widely acclaimed for saving the girls.
Denice’s boss, Aleka Turner, commended her for using her training effectively to protect the girls and emphasized the vital role of frontline staff in everyone’s lives.
Denice’s vigilance serves as an inspiring example. Being alert to our surroundings can make a significant difference and potentially save lives.
Share this story to honor Denice as a true hero!
