Library Assistant Honored By Stamford Police For Saving Coworker's Life

STAMFORD, CT — On Aug. 11 at approximately 4:46 p.m., Harry Bennett Branch Library Assistant Seve Orozco was on the phone with a patron when he heard a scream coming from nearby.

Orozco immediately ended the call and ran downstairs, where he saw his co-worker, Hannah Van Tilburg, lying face down on the floor, unconscious and turning blue.

Without hesitation, Orozco immediately began providing chest compressions and checked Van Tilburg for a pulse. He retrieved a defibrillator, a device that sends electric shocks to the heart, while another patron called 911.

Orozco continued CPR and chest compressions until members of the Stamford Fire Department and EMS arrived to take over medical care.

Van Tilburg was taken to Stamford Hospital, where she ultimately recovered and survived.

On Tuesday, Orozco was recognized by the Stamford Police Department for his heroic actions with the Commissioner's Award.

"Seve's actions demonstrate decisive action, quick thinking, and compassion. Faced with a life-threatening emergency, he did not wait for emergency personnel to arrive," a Commissioner's Award nomination letter for Orozco from Det. Kerilyn Whitehead said.

"Seve Orozco's actions exemplify the very best qualities of a member of our community. His willingness to immediately take action during a critical, life-threatening emergency undoubtedly made a profound difference in the outcome of this incident."

According to Whitehead, not only did Orozco deliver immediate care, he had the presence of mind to close down the library to the public, "in order to ensure the female could receive the privacy, safety and medical attention she required."

News 12 CT reported that, according to Orozco, he previously participated in CPR training at other jobs.

"It's always stayed with me," he told News 12.

Stamford Advocate reported that Van Tilburg, 29, was subsequently diagnosed with Lyme carditis, a condition in which Lyme disease bacteria affects the heart.

She completed outpatient treatment on Tuesday following a two-week hospital stay, the Advocate noted, and attended Tuesday's ceremony during the Stamford Police Commission meeting at police headquarters.

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