Cranford Man Saves His Friend (And Doctor) From Heart Attack

CRANFORD, NJ — When Cranford resident Bill Przygocki went to visit his good friend, a doctor, at his acupuncture practice in Bayonne last month, he had no idea he'd be the one to save the doctor's life.

Przygocki had a visit scheduled at the Bayonne office of Dr. Fred Bernier, who works at Hudson Acupuncture Clinic. He found that Dr. Bernier, who had just finished an appointment with a prior patient, was having chest pains.

Przygocki helped Bernier get to Przygocki's car, parked right in front of the clinic, so he could drive him to the hospital. But as soon as he was in the passenger seat, the doctor passed out.

Przygocki called 911 before flagging down a passing ambulance. Fortunately, a paramedic was able to revive Dr. Bernier and get him into an ambulance, where they rushed him to Bayonne Hospital.

As Przygocki was trailing the ambulance to Bayonne Medical Center, he contacted Bernier’s wife Cathy to let her know.

"Bill stayed with the family in the ER ensuring everyone was aware of the facts of the situation without personal regard," said Dr. Bernier's grateful son, Jon. "Bill has since taken charge of Fred’s co-located business, a Japanese Martial Arts School where he is a teacher (sensei) and long-term member. He has been corresponding with the members and continues his leadership and teaching responsibilities at the school while Fred is safely back at home regaining his strength in Secaucus."

The two friends met more than 30 years ago in the 1980s when they worked as computer programmers for AT&T. They've worked together many times since then, and their wives are also friends.

The Bernier family is from Jersey City but moved to Secaucus in the 1990s.

Jon Bernier said, "There are simply not enough words that can express the sheer gratitude, honor and respect that Fred and his family can express in order to thank this local hero and forever friend."

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