In the Wednesday print edition of the Butler Eagle, we reported that the Butler Township commissioners honored several first responders for their roles in saving a Chicora woman’s life.

The woman, Victoria Williams, suffered a cardiac arrest on New Year’s Eve at Target in Butler Township.

The American Heart Association’s Heartsaver Hero was given to members of the Butler Township Volunteer Fire District, VA Butler Fire and Emergency Services and Butler Ambulance Service.

A powerful scene unfolded at the commissioner’s meeting. Scott Frederick, Butler Township’s director of emergency services handed out awards, and Williams handed out hugs to greet those that saved her life.

Not too long ago, we reported on a similar awards ceremony. Nine emergency responders were honored for saving the life of 76-year-old Joseph Maddalon on April 28.

The man had been driving when he suffered a a heart attack that caused his car to hit a utility pole around 10:15 p.m. He was trapped in the vehicle.

A number of people, including a nurse and first responders, showed up at the scene and saved his life.

The awards on that occasion were presented to Harmony Fire District Capt. Matt Springer, firefighters Carly Pelletier, Ken Chiacchia and Capt. Fredrick; Zelienople Police officers Steven Gilbert and Thomas Goldie; Quality EMS emergency medical technician Shaun Burke and paramedic Sarah Johnson; and UPMC Passavant Advanced Response Unit paramedic David McWilliams. Additionally, an off-duty nurse who assisted asked to remain anonymous.

Like Williams, Maddalon is part of what first responders at the latter event called the “10% club” of people who survive a heart attack outside of a hospital.

We applaud those who stepped up and saved lives in these recent medical emergencies. It was their swift actions and willingness to assist that led to saving these lives.

— TL