Hero Montclair Fire Official Gets Lifesaving Award

MONTCLAIR, NJ — When Montclair fire official John Thomas left his shift on July 5 to go home for some well-deserved relaxation, he didn’t plan on saving a life.

According to the American Red Cross, the encounter began when Thomas, a 25-year Red Cross volunteer, noticed that the driver behind him was acting “erratically.” And that’s when Thomas saw him get out of his car.

Seeing that he was clearly in distress, Thomas exited his own car and rushed over to see that the man was choking and turning blue. Thomas then performed the Heimlich maneuver until the object dislodged, Red Cross officials said.

On Aug. 24, the Red Cross awarded Thomas “The Lifesaving Award of Merit,” the highest award given by the American Red Cross to an individual or team of individuals who saves or sustains a life by using skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Health and Safety Services course.

"I'm truly honored by this award," said Thomas. "What I did was a natural reaction... I saw someone who appeared to be in severe distress and had to respond. I'm just glad I was able to quickly recognize what was happening and act accordingly."

According to Red Cross officials, Thomas started his emergency response career as a disaster responder and has progressed through the positions of disaster manager and Essex County Supervisor. He is currently an instructor of disaster-related courses for the Red Cross.

Photo: Montclair Fire Department

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