Warwick first responders honored for saving man’s life

WARWICK, R.I. (WLNE) — Eight Warwick first responders were honored Monday for saving a man’s life back in May.

“I’m lucky to be here today,” Thomas McKenna, a Warwick resident, said. “You didn’t give up on me, so I came back to thank you.”

McKenna went into cardiac arrest at his home on Audubon Road on May 9, with rescue crews responding quickly.

“My dad was surrounded by people working on him,” Mary-Ann McCurry, McKenna’s daughter, said. “And he was gone.”

Despite a grim outlook on the situation, rescue crews made every minute count, continuing to administer aid to McKenna.

“We saw the looks on their faces,” McCurry said. “We saw their determination, we saw that they did not give up.”

McKenna was rushed to a nearby hospital, where his family was shocked to find he was still alive.

Officials credited a quick response with preventing tragedy.

“It’s not very often that we have such a positive outcome to a witnessed cardiac arrest,” Warwick Fire Chief Peter McMichael said. “But this really highlights the importance of knowing CPR and a rapid 911 call to allow us to get on scene as quickly as possible.”

Part of that fast response was thanks to neighbor Patricia Stark, a former nurse, who administered CPR on McKenna until crews arrived.

Rescue Lieutenant Matthew Wood picked up from there and was among those honored at Monday’s ceremony.

“It’s nice to see the family here, super happy to have them back,” Wood said. “I just love helping out, especially the citizens of Warwick.”

Seeing the first responders in person once again was a surreal experience for some members of the family.

“The last time I saw those men they were in a room surrounding my dad who had passed away,” McCurry said. “And now he’s standing there able to look at them and communicate with them. It took my breath away seeing those guys.”