Summit Off-Duty Firefighter Saved Man's Life In Parking Lot

SUMMIT, NJ — Recently, Summit celebrated the one-year anniversary of a lifesaving CPR save by Summit firefighter John Bonczo, who was off duty at the time.

On July 25, 2020 at approximately 1 p.m., Watchung police officers were called to the Watchung Square Mall on Route 22 in the area of DSW shoe store for a report on an 83-year-old unresponsive man.

On arrival, officers observed the man on the ground with off-duty City of Summit firefighter John Bonczo engaged in lifesaving measures.

Firefighter Bonczo remained on the scene and assisted Watchung Police, EMS and paramedics until the patient was transported to Overlook Medical Center in Summit. Approximately three hours later, police received an update that the patient was in stable condition.

“My wife Kristine, who was five months pregnant at the time, and I were returning from a shopping trip when I noticed an unconscious male on the ground in the parking lot,” Bonczo said.

He added, “When I first checked the patient had a slight pulse that disappeared before I began CPR. I am incredibly grateful that the assistance I provided alongside Watchung police and EMS saved a life that afternoon. I look forward to sharing the story with my daughter one day.”

Firefighter Bonczo has been a member of the Summit Fire Department for the past 11 years. Emergency preparedness and response is an important component of firefighter training.

Watchung Police Chief Joseph R. Cina sent a letter of thanks to the city on Aug. 4, 2020.

Want updates on breaking news when it happens? You can sign up for occasional breaking news alerts in Summit, or for a daily newsletter at 6 a.m. each morning with Summit news. Don't miss the stories your neighbors are talking about! Sign up with your preferences here.

Got news? Email caren.lissner@patch.com. Got photos? Please include express written permission from the photographer for us to use them. To be the first to get free news alerts with breaking stories in your town, or to get a free local newsletter each morning, sign up for Patch breaking news alerts or daily newsletters.