New Canaan Police Officers, Good Samaritans Help Save 2 Lives

NEW CANAAN, CT — In separate incidents recently, New Canaan police officers saved the lives of a two residents, Police Chief Leon Krolikowski announced.

The first incident involved a victim of an overdose at an undisclosed location in town. Lt. Marc DeFelice, Acting Sgt. (and K9 handler) David Rivera, and Officers Sebastian Obando and Robert Rizzitelli were the first on the scene, arriving minutes after the call came in.

"The patient was not alert and showed the signs of an overdose," Krolikowski said in a statement. "The treating officers administered Narcan; the patient became alert, and was transported to the hospital by the New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps (NCVAC)."

The officers involved will soon receive the department’s Medical Lifesaving Award, Krolikowski said.

"Thanks to their training, professionalism and expert care they saved a life," the Chief added. "Special thanks to Silver Hill Hospital for funding our Narcan program and providing the training. This community partnership has saved many lives."

In the second incident, a victim suffered cardiac arrest and was helped by three Good Samaritans before Lt. James George, Sgt. Aaron LaTourette, and Officer Jeff Pollock arrived minutes later. The three Good Samaritans — all of whom are New Canaan residents — were performing Cardio Pulmonary Resuscitation when the officers arrived.

"The patient was non-responsive and was in cardiac arrest," Krolikowski said. "The treating officers deployed an Automatic External Defibrillator, which administered a shock, continued CPR and performed other lifesaving care. The patient received advanced care from the NCVAC, regained a pulse and was transported to the hospital by NCVAC."

Krolikowski said that the three New Canaan residents who provided life-saving assistance will receive an award from the Department, and the officers also will soon receive the department’s Medical Lifesaving Award.

"We are proud of the way these good Samaritans worked together to save a life," Krolikowski said. "Their compassion is to be celebrated.

"We are proud of how these seven officers embody our mission which is 'To Protect and serve the community with courage, professionalism and integrity,'" he added. "There is no greater reward than saving a life."

The Chief also extended a special thanks to New Canaan Volunteer Ambulance Corps "for being such a critical partner as we work side-by-side to handle hundreds of medical calls and medical emergencies."