Fast action saved firefighter at parade

Many onlookers at this year's Memorial Day parade held in the Village of Williamsville witnessed a tragic event that most probably won't forget. As the Williamsville Fire Department passed through Main and Garrison, one of our firefighters suffered a heart attack and went into cardiac arrest while marching in the parade.

Firefighters rushed to his aid and administered CPR and used an Automatic External Defibrillator (AED) to shock the patient and essentially restart his heart. The firefighter is doing well in the ICU at Millard Fillmore Suburban Hospital. Unfortunately onlookers had to see first-hand the reality that firefighters experience every day while serving our community.

I can't begin to tell you how proud I am of the men and women of the Williamsville Fire Dept. for their professionalism. While our friend and comrade was being transported and treated at the hospital, our firefighters (or I should say your firefighters) regrouped, held their heads up high and continued with the parade, while holding back the tears.

I couldn't help but notice that some of the children in the crowd were upset, crying and undoubtedly scared. To the parents of those children we sincerely hope they never have to experience anything like this again but also let them know that our friend is doing well.

Christopher Petrie, chief
Williamsville Fire Deptartment