Police Save Warren Man's Life After He Collapsed

By Katie Kausch (Patch Staff)

SOUTH BRUNSWICK, NJ— Two South Brunswick police officers have been credited with saving the life of a man who collapsed at work on Oct 28, police said.

Jim Mauro, 58, of Warren, had been feeling under the weather, and his wife urged him to take a sick day. Looking forward to celebrating his birthday with coworkers and a lunchtime cake, Mauro decided to try and soldier through anyway.

He collapsed at his PSS Warehousing office that day.

Coworkers began applying chest compressions as soon as Mauro collapsed, quickly calling 911. Officer Salvatore Fama arrived first, using a defibrillator to shock Mauro. Officer Brian Luck arrived shortly afterwards and assisted with CPR, and the two officers applied a second shock. Mauro began gasping for breath.

“Officer Salvatore Fama and Officer Brian Luck acted quickly using their training and a department defibrillator to save this man’s life. Their actions along with a co-worker knowing CPR made the difference,” Chief Hayducka said.

Mauro was transported to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital by South Brunswick EMS, and was critical for ten days following his collapse. He is still undergoing treatment, but has been upgraded to stable. Officers visited Mauro and his wife at the hospital over the weekend, where he continues to recover.

Officer Fama said, “When we got there he had no pulse. Our training just kicked in and we were able to bring him back. It is a great feeling to save a life. To see Mr. Mauro sitting up in bed and being able to shake his hand is unbelievable.”

Chief Hayducka added, “I could not be prouder of these officers or the work they did.”

Image: Officer Fama and Jim Mauro, South Brunswick Police Department