Cops Get Awards For Saving Lives Of Caldwell, Fairfield Men

ESSEX COUNTY, NJ — Several police officers recently earned awards for using their lifesaving skills to rescue residents of Caldwell and Fairfield.

The Fairfield Police Department issued statements about each incident on Thursday.

CALDWELL MAN HAS SEIZURE, ‘RECOVERING WELL’

On January 25 at approximately 4:49 p.m., the Fairfield Police Department received a 911 call reporting a medical emergency in the parking lot of 55 Lane Road. Responding to the call were Sergeant Ian Rasmussen, and Officers Michael Tilton, Sean McCormack, Brian Geisler, Raymond Puluse, James Ciampi and Daniel Kalinowski.

The officers immediately assessed the victim, who was a 55-year-old male from Caldwell, and found that he had a seizure which resulted in him being unresponsive with no signs of a pulse, agonal breathing, and blue skin. Prior to police arrival, an unknown citizen had been performing chest compressions. This citizen was relieved by the officers who began full CPR and use of an AED. By the time the victim was being transported to an area hospital, a pulse had been restored. At last check, the victim was still in the hospital and doing well in his recovery.

“These officers have once again demonstrated the importance of starting CPR as quickly as possible. In doing so, they got to experience one of the greatest rewards in being a cop which is saving the life of another” Chief Anthony Manna said. “I and the members of our department are extremely proud of them. They will be honored with lifesaving citations at a future time.”

CPR SAVES FAIRFIELD MAN

On January 29, at the department’s annual meeting, Chief Anthony Manna presented Sergeant Frank Tracey and Officers James High Jr., Frank Patierno and James Ciampi with lifesaving citations for actions taken on January 20 in saving the life of an 83-year-old township resident.

On that date, at approximately 12:36 p.m., all units were dispatched to a Glenroy Road South residence on a report of an unconscious male who was unresponsive and not breathing. Upon arrival, the officers observed that the victim was blue in the face. The officers immediately started CPR. After approximately two minutes, a pulse was established and the victim began breathing on his own. By the time the ambulance and medics arrived, the victim was alert and conscious and speaking with everyone. He was then transported to Chilton Hospital for treatment.

“I am happy to report that after a few days in the hospital, the victim is at home and doing well,” Manna said. “Our officers did a phenomenal job in their response to this emergency and because of their efforts, a life was saved. This also highlights the importance of starting CPR as soon as possible and why the Fairfield Police Department has begun hosting CPR classes for the public. While the next class has not yet been announced, I can tell you I will make sure it happens soon.”

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Photo: From left, Sgt. Frank Tracey, Officer James High Jr., Officer Frank Patierno, Officer James Ciampi (Fairfield Police Department)