City of Lakewood and Cleveland Clinic Recognize Firefighter/Paramedic and Police Heroes

The City of Lakewood and Cleveland Clinic’s Dr. Joseph Lally, Medical Director for the Lakewood Fire Department, recognized several firefighter/paramedics and police officers for their heroism and life-saving actions in separate incidents. The residents whose lives they saved were also on-hand to express their gratitude.

Mayor Meghan F. George said, “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.”

On December 16th, 2020, a Lakewood resident was eating dinner with his wife at home when he collapsed. His wife called 911 and began CPR. Lakewood EMS arrived on scene to find the resident unresponsive and without a pulse. Lakewood EMS continued CPR and defibrillated the resident four times before he regained a pulse. The resident was transported to Fairview Hospital. Within one week, the resident was discharged and stopped by the fire station to express his gratitude.

Firefighter/Paramedics Nicholas Boatman, Brian Dimonico, Kyle Kaptein, Adam Bartinelli, Daniel Santry, and Captain Robert Dillon were present for this call and were honored today by the City of Lakewood, the Cleveland Clinic, and the resident they saved.

On December 28, 2020, a resident who was 36-weeks pregnant had a seizure. Lakewood EMS received the 911 call and administered intravenous medication to stop the seizure. The resident remained unresponsive while Lakewood EMS supported her breathing/ventilation and monitored her heart function. Upon arrival at Fairview Hospital, the resident was stabilized and her daughter was delivered safely by emergency C-section.

Firefighter/Paramedics Adam Bartinelli, Ryan Mackey, Mike Tripodi, Daniel Elbert, Jerry Alex, and Captain Pete Hempfling were present for this call and were honored by the City of Lakewood, the Cleveland Clinic, and the residents they saved.

Fire Chief Tim Dunphy said, “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.”

On April 13, 2021, an 18-year-old was found by the City of Lakewood’s parks security guard with gunshot wounds in his chest and abdomen. Lakewood Police arrived on scene and rendered emergency aid. Lakewood EMS arrived soon thereafter and performed lifesaving needle decompression to both sides of the man’s chest. Lakewood EMS maintained his airway and provided intravenous fluids due to blood loss. The man was taken to Metro Hospital where he is currently finishing treatment.

Firefighter/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 were present for this call and were honored by the City of Lakewood, the Cleveland Clinic, and the man they saved.