Two local police officers were honored Thursday for their heroic actions that saved a life in Long Island City last month.
Police Officers William Caldarera and Corey Sarro of the 108th Precinct were given a proclamation on behalf of the City Council for saving the life of a 66-year-old man who was found motionless in front of LaGuardia Community College in December.
Councilman Jimmy Van Bramer, who was joined by Mayor Bill de Blasio, presented the honor to Caldarera and Sarro.
On Dec. 16, the officers saw a crowd of people gathering around a man lying motionless on the sidewalk in front of the college. Caldarera approached the elderly man and discovered he did not have a heartbeat and was not breathing.
Sarro then began to conduct chest compressions, while an ambulance was requested. Using a defibrillator provided by a public safety officer, Caldarera and Sarro attached the machine to the man’s chest, according to police. After a second shock, the man’s heartbeat returned and he began breathing again.
The man was taken to Elmhurst Hospital in stable condition.
Although both Caldarera and Sarro had experience with CPR while off duty, this incident was their first time having to use a defibrillator.
Both officers said it felt great once they were able to revive the man and get him to breathe again.
“There is really no feeling to describe it,” Sarro said at the time. “It was a relief to be able to save him.”
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