Newton Police Officers Help Save Man Who Collapsed On Sidewalk

NEWTON, MA — Three Newton police officers are being credited with saving the life of a man who collapsed on a sidewalk on Monday with heart trouble.

"We're very proud of the officers that were on scene," Lt. Bruce Apotheker a spokesperson for the department.

Officer David Schaefer, a training officer, was driving down Cherry Street on his way to work around 7 a.m. when he saw a man on the sidewalk. He pulled over and realized the man needed CPR, and set to it, according to the Newton Police Department.

"We couldn't be more proud of the officers," said Apotheker "This is what each officer trains for. And when these incidents arise, our officers are prepared to handle them. And in this particular incident they handled it flawlessly."

Schaefer was joined by officers Jeremy Fay and Reid Larson, who helped revive the man with a defibrillator. The fire department showed up and gave a third shock.

The man was taken to the hospital, where he is undergoing treatment.

“We thank those officers for doing a great job in saving that man’s life,” police said in a tweet. “Our thoughts and prayers are with him and his family. Wishing a speedy recovery.”

Interim Police Chief Howard Mintz said this was just the latest example of police officers working to save lives.

In November a man playing tennis fell into cardiac arrest. His tennis partner called 911, and the dispatcher, Samantha Siegel, walked the tennis partner through how to begin CPR. Moments later, police Captain Dennis Dowling, who happened to be nearby and heard the radio call, raced over to help and took over chest compressions.

Shortly after, other officers and fire officials and an ambulance showed up with defibrillators. The man was taken to Saint Elizabeth's, where he regained consciousness.

Dowling was also the first to help with chest compressions this winter when a man who was shoveling snow at a grocery store collapsed.

"Over the years there have been a lot of saves," said Mintz. "It shows the dedication of the people involved. These [saves] are just a reflection of the competence and the confidence of the people here and their dedication to what they do as far as public service is concerned."

Mintz said CPR training is a regular component for his department because early application, keeping the blood moving and getting oxygen to the brain can help save lives.

Jon Spack was nearby when the man fell and took to Twitter thanking police and fire officials for their help.

"A huge shout out to @NewtonFireDept and @newtonpolice (and @FallonAmb) today for quick action helping an individual in need on Cherry Street," he tweeted. "Swift, calm, caring, professional. Hoping you saved a life today. Did everything you could."

Jenna Fisher is a news reporter for Patch. Got a tip? She can be reached at Jenna.Fisher@patch.com or by calling 617-942-0474. Follow her on Twitter and Instagram (@ReporterJenna). Have a something you'd like posted on the Patch? Here's how.