In the early stages of the COVID-19 outbreak when the need for personal protective equipment (PPE) became apparent, Lonna Schurrman, daughter of Dallas County Inspector Jimmy Vermillion, began making masks for family, friends and her father’s coworkers. Each of Schurrman’s masks include a personalized touch, and she modifies her mask designs (e.g., masks with loops, ties or elastic head bands) to accommodate the needs of the mask’s intended recipient.  

She has produced hundreds of masks so far and is still sewing. In addition to making masks for Dallas County Public Works staff, she has made masks for individuals at local medical facilities, the Texas Department of Family and Protective Services (DFPS), local restaurants and other first-responder groups. 

“Lonna’s response to the COVID-19 experience demonstrates the Dallas County Public Works family’s commitment to live up to and go above and beyond the Public Works department’s categorization as ‘essential,’” said Public Works Director Alberta Blair, P.E.