Springfield Emergency responders were recognized this week for their work in saving a man’s life on April 2. The unidentified Springfield resident had been experiencing chest pains throughout the night and couldn't sleep, so he dialed 911 shortly after 5 a.m. The Springfield firefighters and a Springfield police officer found the patient unresponsive and without a pulse.  

Members of the Fire Department, Atlantic Medics and the Springfield First Aid Squad responded to the scene and placed A.E.D. Defibrillation pads on his chest to shock the man back to life.

The First Aid Squad brought the man to Overlook Hospital in Summit. On the way to the hospital, the patient went into cardiac arrest and the first aid squad resumed C.P.R., including administering a third shock from the A.E.D.

At the Springfield Township Committee meeting on Tuesday, May 22, Springfield Fire Chief James Samford presented EMT Barry Gallant, EMT Kimberly Cotto, FAS Lt. Joe Voorhees, Captain Apu Mullick, and Firefighter Stewart Jurczak with an EMS Medical Award for the save. Firefighters Walter Heckel and Altay Vigilante also received the award but where not able to accept it in person.