First responders, wife, honored for saving life of officer

24 hours ago

2 min read

Updated: 18 hours ago

(GREENDALE, Ind.) – Several first responders and the wife of a Greendale police officer are being honored for their lifesaving efforts.

Lawrenceburg officer David Schwarz was off-duty when he suffered a cardiac arrest while driving on August 31.

His wife, Jessica, brought the vehicle to a stop and got David out of the car and immediately began performing CPR.

Several first responders from the Greendale Police Department, Greendale Fire Department and EMS, and Lawrenceburg Fire arrived and helped save David’s life.

He was rushed to St. Elizabeth Edgewood where he received treatment for two blocked arteries and is recovering at home today.

On Wednesday, David and Jessica were joined together again at the Greendale Fire Department with the first responders who saved his life.

“You guys were at the right place at the right time when we needed help the most,” Jessica told the first responders.

Chris Vogepohl serves as St. Elizabeth’s EMS Community Outreach manager and described the entire event as a great example of the chain of survival.

“Recognition, calling 911 and starting CPR are the first three crucial links in this chain of survival. It began with his wife, and continued with the dedicated first responders, and continued on through the care provided at St. Elizabeth,” Vogepohl said.

David and Jessica’s story also serves as a reminder of the importance of learning CPR.

Conducting CPR immediately can double or even triple a person’s chance of surviving cardiac arrest. The Greendale Fire Department offers CPR training as do several other local agencies.

During the ceremony, Greendale Police Chief Shane Slack applauded the response of all first responders including the police officers.

“When we respond to incidents involving one of our own, it can go one of two ways. The first could be tunnel vision and to freeze. However, these two officers didn’t do that and went right into action, doing what they’re trained to do, and used all the available tools they had at their disposal,” Slack said.

Greendale Mayor Vince Karsteter was also at the ceremony and presented a proclamation to honor the lifesaving actions of the first responders.

Here is who was honored today: