The Kettering Fire Department’s Life Saving Award is a prestigious and incredible honor awarded to active duty personnel whose direct actions save the life of person whose heart has stopped beating and shows no signs of life. This award is only achieved when the patient who was clinically deceased is not only resuscitated and regains life sustaining functions, but moreover is able to make a full recovery and resume normal life activities. It is one of the most rewarding accomplishments any member of this organization can make in the course of their career and to know that their actions contributed to saving the life of another human being. To understand the significance of the last statement, the individual that is saved must be discharged from the hospital and resume normal life activities.
2021 Recipients
L to R: FF/P Lakes, Capt. Morgan, FF/P Jordan, Chief Robbins, FF/P Denlinger, BC Denlinger (Not pictured: Capt. Holbert, FF/P O’Connor)
Batt. Chief Kyle Denlinger Capt. Mike Holbert Capt. Shawn Morgan FF/P Kent Denlinger FF/P Jen Jordan FF/P Justin lakes FF/P Nick O’Connor
On February 24, 2021, Battalion 30, Ladder 32, Medic 34, Safety Officer 1, and Battalion 4 responded on a possible full arrest. Upon arrival, crews found a 70-year-old male patient receiving CPR from his wife. Crews acted swiftly and performed CPR with several rounds of Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) to try to restart the man’s heart. The patient’s heart rhythm repeatedly changed from normal with a pulse to ventricular fibrillation (v-fib) and asystole with no pulse. Upon arrival at the hospital, the patient had regained a pulse and had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). However, the patient was still in need of definitive treatment from the doctors and nurses at the hospital. Thanks to the CPR from his wife and high quality patient care from EMS and hospital staff, this patient was discharged home several days later and eventually returned to normal life activities.
2020 Recipients
L to R: FF/P Lupton, FF/P Kaney, FF/P Terrian (Not pictured: FF/EMT Cooper, FF/P Parker)
FF/EMT Daniel Cooper FF/P Jonathan Kaney FF/P Kyle Lupton FF/P David Parker FF/P Michael Terrian
On March 8, 2020, Kettering Dispatch Center received a call for an unresponsive male. Engine and Medic 36 Crews arrived to find an unresponsive, but breathing 72 year old male on the couch who is a known diabetic. A blood sugar check displayed “low” on meter. Paramedics began treating the patient for low blood sugar when the patient stopped breathing. Crews checked for a pulse but none was found. High quality CPR and artificial respirations were begun. The Lucas automatic chest compression machine was used for chest compressions. A check of the cardiac monitor revealed the patient’s heart to be in ventricular fibrillation. The patient was defibrillated with no change. The patient was intubated, and cardiac medications were administered. After a second defibrillation, a pulse was found and the patient began breathing. The cardiac monitor showed a perfusing rhythm, and the patient was transported to the emergency room. Two weeks later, the patient was discharged from the hospital.
L to R: FF/P Hollatz, FF/P Corey, Capt. Townsend, Chief RobbinsL to R: FF/P Gleason, FF/P Hissong
Capt. Darrin Townsend FF/P Jeff Corey FF/P Cody Gleason FF/P Brian Hissong FF/P Daniel Hollatz
While responding to a possible diabetic problem, dispatch advised responding crews that their patient was possibly in cardiac arrest and that bystander CPR was not being initiated. Upon arrival, Engine 37 and Medic 32 crews found their patient to be barely breathing and without a pulse. CPR was initiated and artificial respirations were given. The cardiac monitor revealed the patient’s heart to be in ventricular fibrillation. The patient was defibrillated, and the patient’s heart went into a flat-line, asystolic rhythm. The Lucas device was placed and high quality CPR resumed. The patient went back into ventricular fibrillation and was defibrillated, or shocked, for a second time resulting in a heartbeat with a palpable pulse and improved respirations. This patient’s heart stopped beating several times during transport to the ER. Crews shocked him a total of four times in their efforts to restart his heart. Cardiac drug therapy and high quality CPR continued, and his heart converted to a fast paced rhythm by the time he was delivered to the emergency room. This patient was released and sent home two months after this incident.
L to R: Capt. Cobb, FF/P Grogean, FF/P Denlinger, Chief Robbins, FF/P McClure (Not Pictured: FF/P O’Connor)
Capt. Howard Cobb FF/P Kent Denlinger FF/P Jordan Grogean FF/P Ryan McClure FF/P Nick O’Connor
Medic 34/Engine 34 were dispatched for an injury from a fall. Crews arrived on scene to find an elderly male standing on the sidewalk with assistance from his neighbor. The neighbor stated that while looking out the window, he saw someone lying on the sidewalk, unconscious. The patient’s spouse stated that he has no significant medical history and when he went for his daily walk, he seemed fine. The patient said that he wasn’t in any pain, he just felt weak. Upon further assessment, the patient’s heart was beating very slowly and his blood pressure was low. Paramedics, preparing for the worst, positioned the defibrillation pads on the patient’s chest. A 12-lead EKG was transmitted to the emergency department, an I.V. was established and the patient was administered I.V. fluids. During transport to the hospital, the patient lost consciousness, and the cardiac monitor showed his heart to be in asystole, or flat-lined. High quality CPR was initiated, artificial respirations were in progress, and cardiac medications were administered. After a few minutes of CPR, the patient had return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC) and a palpable pulse. The patient was even able to interact with the crew. This patient was later discharged home “without difficulty.”
L to R: Chief Robbins, Batt. Chief Beaver, FF/P Lakes, FF/P Abel, Capt. Morgan (Not Pictured: FF/P Jordan, FF/P Kracus)
Batt. Chief Brian Beaver Capt. Shawn Morgan FF/P Matt Abel FF/P Jen Jordan FF/P Tim Kracus FF/P Justin Lakes
On December 23, 2020, Ladder 32, Medic 32, and Battalion 30 were dispatched on a full arrest. The patient’s wife stated, “We were at the kitchen counter talking, and he was eating a piece of candy. He said he didn’t feel right and suddenly he went down. I didn’t feel a pulse, and he was almost not breathing so I started CPR and called 911.” Crews arrived on scene to find the patient on his back with agonal respirations and no pulse. High quality CPR was immediately initiated with cardiac compressions from the Lucas machine. After two minutes of CPR, the patient was found to be in ventricular fibrillation and was immediately defibrillated, or “shocked.” Advanced Life Support (ALS) protocols were followed including I.V. therapy, airway maintenance, cardiac medications, cardiac defibrillation, and high quality CPR. After five rounds of ALS including five defibrillation “shocks,” the patient had a return of spontaneous circulation (ROSC). The patient’s pulse was strong and he was able to breathe without assistance. During transport, the patient was even able to follow commands as his vital signs nearly returned to normal limits. This patient was discharged two days later on Christmas Day.
2019 Recipients
L to R: FF/P Hill, FF/P Coverstone, Chief ButtsL to R: FF/P Bacon, FF/P Gemin, Capt. Fowler
Capt. Rob Fowler FF/P A.J. Bacon FF/P Jake Coverstone FF/P Chad Gemin FF/P Ryan Hill
On the morning of March 2, 2019, Company 34 was dispatched to a cardiac arrest. They arrived on scene to find a 26-year-old male in an upstairs bedroom in cardiac arrest. E34 and M34 crews quickly assessed the situation, started CPR, and initiated Advanced Cardiac Life Support (ACLS) procedures. The patient went through several cardiac rhythm changes but regained a pulse fairly quickly and began trying to breathe on his own. Just six days after being in cardiac arrest, the patient was released from the hospital and resumed a normal life.
L to R: Chief Butts, FF/P Chadwell, FF/P McCormick Not Pictured: Capt. Frederick, FF/P Green, FF/P Koller
Capt. Neil Frederick FF/P Greg Chadwell FF/P Steve Green FF/P Jim Koller FF/P Andy McCormick
On March 28, 2019, at approximately 4 p.m., crews were dispatched to an unresponsive person. Upon arrival, Q36 and M37 crews found a 77-year-old male patient lying in the driveway next to his vehicle. Crews quickly assessed the patient and found him to be in cardiac arrest. CPR was initiated and crews immediately started following their ACLS protocols. After several rounds of cardiac medications, the monitor showed a normal heart rhythm, and the patient began trying to breathe on his own. About 15 days after this patient’s heart stopped beating, he was discharged from the hospital to follow up with cardiac rehab.
L to R: Chief Butts, FF/P McVicar, FF/P Myers Not Pictured: Capt. Duckro, FF/P Coverstone, FF/P Schrock
Capt. Mark Duckro FF/P Jake Coverstone FF/P Justin McVicar FF/P Todd Myers FF/P Chad Schrock
On the evening of May 30, 2019, Company 32 was dispatched to a patient who was complaining of severe chest pain. Upon arrival, crews found a patient lying on the floor, sweating profusely, having trouble breathing, and complaining of severe chest pain that was radiating to his shoulder. The patient was immediately given aspirin and nitroglycerin for the chest pain, and placed on a 12-lead EKG that showed he was having a heart attack. While en route to the hospital, the patient complained of dizziness and suddenly lost consciousness. The patient’s heart had stopped. Crews immediately delivered two shocks to restart the patient’s heart. After the second shock, the patient’s heart began beating on its own. By the time they arrived at the hospital, the patient was able to communicate with the EMS crews. He was released from the hospital the next day.
L to R: FF/P Terrian, FF/P Walker, Chief ButtsL to R: Chief Butts, Capt. Greenup, FF/P Gleason, FF/P Jobe
Capt. Jeff Greenup FF/P Cody Gleason FF/P Dane Jobe FF/P Michael Terrian FF/P David Walker
On June 12, 2019, E32 and M36 were dispatched to 2nd and Charles Bookstore for an unconscious female. The patient was awake and talking with E32’s crew when she suddenly became unresponsive and pulseless. CPR was initiated, and the patient was quickly moved to the medic unit where ACLS procedures were initiated. After approximately two minutes of CPR, the patient’s pulse returned and she was blinking and moving her legs. 30 seconds later, however, her heart stopped beating again. CPR and ACLS procedures resumed. The patient was transported to KMC where her pulse returned and she began breathing on her own. After having a pacemaker surgically implanted, the patient was discharged six days later.
L to R: FF/EMT Cooper, Chief Butts, FF/P Eldridge Not Pictured: BC Beaver, Capt. MorganL to R: FF/P O’Connor, Chief Butts, FF/P McClure
Batt. Chief Brian Beaver Capt. Shawn Morgan FF/EMT Daniel Cooper FF/P Matt Eldridge FF/P Ryan McClure FF/P Nick O’Connor
On June 25, 2019, E32, M34 and B30 were dispatchedon a full arrest. Upon arrival, crews found a male patient who was pulseless and not breathing. CPR was initiated, and the patient was placed on the 12-lead EKG, which showed the patient to be in V-Fib. Crews defibrillated the patient, and his heart began beating on its own. ACLS procedures were continued; however, the patient’s heart returned to a pulseless V-Fib rhythm. CPR resumed and the patient was shocked two more times. After the second shock, the patient’s heart returned to a normal rhythm, and he began breathing on his own. While en route to the hospital, the patient became alert, and he was able to speak with the paramedics. The patient even relayed that the last thing he remembered was going for a jog. Four days later, he was discharged and sent home.
L to R: FF/P Chadwell, FF/P Schaurer, FF/P Voelker, FF/P Lupton, Chief Butts Not Pictured: Capt. Holbrook
Capt. Kris Holbrook FF/P Greg Chadwell FF/P Kyle Lupton FF/P John Schaurer FF/P Jeremy Voelker
On September 27, 2019, at around lunchtime, Q36 and M36 were dispatched to one of our nursing homes for someone experiencing shortness of breath. Upon arrival, crews quickly realized the patient was in serious distress and needed immediate transport to the hospital. During transport to Kettering Medical Center (KMC), the patient’s condition continued to worsen. Upon arrival at the ER, the crew quickly recognized that the patient had become pulseless. CPR was initiated, and the patient was transferred to KMC’s ER staff. Due to the rapid transport decision and the excellent teamwork demonstrated by KFD and KMC ER personnel, the patient received excellent advanced cardiac care, recovered, and was discharged from KMC.
2018 Recipients
L to R: FF/P Koller, FF/P Lakes, FF/P DeLange, FF/P Joyce, FF/P Terrian
FF/P Chris DeLange FF/P Zach Joyce FF/P Jim Koller FF/P Justin Lakes FF/P Michael Terrian
On the morning of March 17, 2018, our dispatch center received a call for a person in cardiac arrest. The dispatcher notified crews in just 33 seconds, and Company 36 arrived on scene in less than 4 minutes from the time of the call.
On scene, crews found an unresponsive female on the floor with a family friend performing CPR. The crews from Medic and Engine 36 quickly assessed the situation and positioned the Lucas Compression device to deliver high-quality CPR. They then began advanced cardiac life support procedures. Shortly thereafter, crews detected a pulse, and the patient began attempting to breathe on her own. This crew had the patient at the hospital, with a pulse and a fighting chance for survival in just a little over 30 minutes from the time the call was made to 911. After just two short weeks, the patient was released from the hospital and sent home.
This call is a prime example of how our community-based CPR program is a vital link in the chain of survival. If the family friend had not started CPR immediately, the outcome for this patient could have been considerably different. Thanks to a quick acting friend and the actions of these firefighters, this citizen’s life was saved. Well done and congratulations!
L to R: FF/P Lakes, BC Panstingel, Capt. Hall, FF/P DeLange (Not pictured: FF/EMT Cooper, FF/P Kracus)
Batt. Chief Doug Panstingel Capt. Nate Hall FF/EMT Daniel Cooper FF/P Chris DeLange FF/P Tim Kracus FF/P Justin Lakes
On October 16, 2018, at approximately 11:15 a.m. our dispatch center received a call for a woman in cardiac arrest. Company 36 was notified and dispatched within 25 seconds of receiving the call. Crews responded and were on scene in just 3 minutes and 25 seconds. Upon arrival, crews found a female patient in cardiac arrest with CPR being performed by a family member. KFD crews took over CPR and began advanced life-saving interventions. These crews worked hard to save her life by performing high quality CPR, giving several rounds of advanced cardiac drug therapy, and using cardiac defibrillation to place her heart into a normal rhythm. Once the patient was stabilized, she was transported to the hospital where she arrived with a second chance at survival.
This was a complicated full arrest which required several rounds of cardiac drugs and four defibrillator shocks before her heart returned to a normal rhythm. This event is a perfect example of how the chain of survival works. The early activation of the 911 system; the importance of early, high-quality CPR; cardiac defibrillation; and advanced life support all played key roles in ensuring the positive outcome for this patient. Congratulations on a job well done!
L to R: FF/P Chadwell, FF/P McCormick, FF/P Voelker, FF/P Grogean (Not pictured: FF/P Schaurer)
FF/P Greg Chadwell FF/P Jordan Grogean FF/P Andy McCormick FF/P John Schaurer FF/P Jeremy Voelker
On November 1, 2018, at approximately 10:30 p.m. our dispatch center received a call for a person experiencing severe chest pain with difficulty breathing. The dispatcher notified crews in just 36 seconds, and Company 36 responded to the call. Upon arrival, crews found an unresponsive male patient with a bluish tint around his lips and face. He was on his back in his bed which was located in a small, cramped bedroom. He was found to have inadequate agonal breathing and no pulse.
Company 36 crews quickly worked together to move the patient out of the small bedroom and into the medic, which is a much more controlled environment in which to work. Once in the medic, crews initiated high quality CPR with the Lucas external compression device and began advanced life support procedures utilizing the cardiac monitor, the cardiac defibrillator, endotracheal intubation, and cardiac drug therapy.
After several rounds of cardiac shocks and advanced drug therapy, the patient’s pulse returned, and he started to breathe on his own. Stabilizing medications and oxygen therapy were given while en route to the hospital.
Several weeks later, this patient was released from the hospital and sent home after having fully recovered from his near-death experience. The quick decision making and essential treatment given by these crews saved this patient’s life. Calls like this show why it’s so important for Kettering Fire Department personnel to train extensively and prepare for the unexpected. Congratulations and well done!
L to R: FF/P Coverstone, FF/P Gleason, BC Beaver (Not pictured: Capt. Townsend, FF/P Pfeifer, FF/P Reed)
Batt. Chief Brian Beaver Capt. Darrin Townsend FF/P Jake Coverstone FF/P Cody Gleason FF/P John Pfeifer FF/P Steve Reed
On December 11, 2018, at approximately 9:40 a.m., our dispatch center received a call for a female in cardiac arrest. The Dispatcher notified Engine 37 and Medic 32 within 43 seconds and they responded with urgency.
Upon arrival, Engine 37 crew found the facility’s staff performing CPR on a female in cardiac arrest. The staff had placed their AED on the patient and had already delivered two shocks prior to KFD’s arrival. E37 immediately assessed the patient and took over CPR efforts. M32 arrived shortly after the engine and placed the Lucas External Compression device and began advanced cardiac life support procedures.
Shortly after the first rounds of ALS drug therapy, the patient’s heart began to beat on its own. The patient was loaded onto the cot and transported to the hospital for further treatment and stabilization.
This is a clear example of the importance of immediate bystander CPR and the quick use of the AED. That coupled with the quick actions by KFD crews on scene helped to save this woman’s life. Its calls like these that show how hours of training and preparation are vital to the Kettering Fire Department and the citizens of Kettering. Well done, gentlemen, and congratulations!
Fire HQ | 4745 Hempstead Station Drive | Kettering, Ohio 45429 | 937-296-2489
