Lakewood Honors Lifesaving Firefighters, Police

LAKEWOOD, OH — A group of Lakewood firefighters, police officers and EMS were honored this week for their life-saving efforts.

“I am proud to honor these firefighter/paramedics and police officers for their heroism. I am grateful we have a team of experts who can provide emergency medical care when necessary. I hope these scenarios continue to be rare, but I am glad to know we are ready," Mayor Meghan George said during a ceremony on Thursday.

Stopping Death

On Dec. 16, 2020, a Lakewood man was at home, eating dinner with his wife, when he collapsed. His wife called 911 and started CPR.

Firefighters and paramedics Nicholas Boatman, Brian Dimonico, Kyle Kaptein, Adam Bartinelli, Daniel Santry and Capt. Robert Dillon rushed to the scene. When they arrived, the man was unresponsive. He had no pulse.

Thinking quickly, the crews gave the man CPR and then a shock from a defibrillator. Then another shock. And another. The man took four defibrillations before he regained a pulse.

He was then rushed to Fairview Hospital. Within one week, he was discharged from the hospital and came to the Lakewood fire station to express his gratitude.

Saving a Pregnant Woman

On Dec. 28, 2020, a 36-weeks-pregnant woman had a seizure. Lakewood EMS rushed to her and gave her intravenous medication to stop the seizure, but she was still unresponsive.

Lakewood EMS provided ventilation to the woman and monitored her heart function. At Fairview Hospital, the woman stabilized and her daughter was delivered safely via emergency C-section.

Firefighters and paramedics Adam Bartinelli, Ryan Mackey, Mike Tripodi, Daniel Elbert, Jerry Alex, and Capt. Pete Hempfling worked together to save the woman.

“Our firefighter/paramedics devote their lives to being ready for moments like the ones we are remembering today. When that call comes, the clock is already ticking. We have to be ready to save lives every time. I am so proud of this team," Lakewood Fire Chief Tim Dunphy said.

Helping a Shooting Victim

On April 13, 2021, an 18-year-old was shot at Madison Park. He had wounds to his chest and abdomen, Lakewood officials said.

When Lakewood police arrived, they immediately gave the teenager first aid. Lakewood EMS then arrived and gave the 18-year-old lifesaving needle decompression to both side's of his chest. EMS then maintained his airway and provided intravenous fluids due to his blood loss.

The man was taken to MetroHealth Medical Center, where he is finishing his rehabilitation.

Firefighters and paramedics Ryan Birth, Jeff Suhaj, Daniel Santry, Ben Fitchwell, Captain James Chaky and Assistant Chief Darren Collins and Police Officer Isiah Pinto, Dispatcher Christine Sykora, and Dispatcher Tonya Graham took part in these lifesaving measures.