Friends of Springfield Fire

Award information

2025 Medical Life Saves 

Throughout 2025, members of the department demonstrated extraordinary skill, teamwork, and dedication in responding to life-threatening medical emergencies across our community. These incidents highlight the powerful impact of rapid response, high-quality CPR, early defibrillation, and seamless coordination with our EMS partners and bystanders. 

January 11, 2025

Captain Brandon Graff, Equipment Operator David Alday, and Firefighter Phillip Owens 

Engine 7 responded to a cardiac arrest after a male collapsed while shoveling snow in his driveway; bystanders had already begun CPR. Firefighters immediately took over life support measures, working closely with EMS to deliver timely defibrillation and airway management. By the time of transport, the patient was able to follow basic commands and answer simple questions with head nods.  Their coordinated efforts resulted in a full recovery. The crew was later honored with a Zoll Clinical Save Award a testament to their professionalism, skill, and outstanding performance in a high-stakes environment. 

February 6, 2025 

Captain Scott Guccione, Firefighter Falen Juliano, Firefighter Mychal Adamson 

Engine 7 arrived to a local business where a patient had suffered witnessed cardiac arrest; facility staff initiated CPR and shocked the patient with their AED prior Engine 7’s to arrival. The collaboration of on-site personnel, firefighters, and Mercy EMS resulted in restored circulation on scene and the patient was transported to the hospital, where he eventually recovered and was discharged. 

February 13, 2025 

Captain Daron Evans, Firefighter Venessa Verser, and Firefighter Shaun Martin 

Engine 5 assisted EMS during a cardiac arrest response, providing multiple rounds of high-quality CPR and supporting defibrillation efforts. Due to Engine 5’s dedication to teamwork, professionalism, and high-quality EMS care, ROSC was achieved on scene and the patient went on to make a full recovery, discharged after a brief hospital course neuro-intact.

February 14, 2025 

Captain Brad Jones, Equipment Operator Luke McBride, Firefighter Rodrick Icenhower

Engine 7 responded to a choking emergency where a nearby Greene County Sherriff’s Office deputy had initiated CPR  for a patient who was unconscious, pulseless, and blue in the face. Firefighters provided airway support and continued lifesaving care alongside Mercy EMS through packaging and transport. The patient ultimately made a full recovery. 

February 17, 2025 

Captain Ryan Howard, Firefighter Zachary Keller, Firefighter Caleb Dunaway, and Firefighter Trenton Curry  

Engine 4 arrived to find unresponsive male behind a local business, with a coworker performing CPR. The crew quickly applied an AED, resumed chest compressions, and continued resuscitation efforts. Pulses were restored on scene, and the patient later recovered fully neuro-intact— a powerful reminder of how early CPR saves lives. 

March 12, 2025 

Equipment Operator David Eckman 

Engine 1 responded to a pediatric choking emergency at a local daycare; upon entry to the facility, it was noted that staff had initiated chest compressions. Swift recognition and decisive intervention by Equipment Operator Eckman cleared the airway and restored circulation. The child was quickly transported and later released from the hospital

April 9, 2025 

Equipment Operator Chad Sullivan, Equipment Operator Zack Enokido, and Firefighter Colin Sigrest 

Engine 8 responded to a cardiac arrest involving a young individual. Immediate CPR and AED deployment resulted in multiple rounds of CPR with successful shocks prior to Coxhealth EMS arriving. Circulation was restored during transport, and the patient ultimately recovered neuro-intact. 

May 13, 2025 

Equipment Operator Noah Pratt, Equipment Operator Jeremy Davis, and Firefighter Owen Fabro 

Ladder 3 responded to a challenging cardiac arrest, requiring coordination with the Springfield Police Department and Mercy EMS for nearly an hour including transport time. Through sustained CPR and coordinated care, pulses were restored and the patient was later released from the hospital. 

May 23, 2025 

Captain Jeffery Weeks, Firefighter Rodrick Icenhower, and Firefighter Trenton Curry   

Engine 10 responded to an unresponsive individual on the floor of a ballroom, with respirations declining and no palpable pulse. Quick recognition, rapid defibrillation, and high-quality CPR resulted in restored circulation prior to hospital arrival. The patient was discharged a few days later fully neuro-intact. 

October 26, 2025 

Captain Brandon Graff, Equipment Operator Luke McBride, and Firefighter Tyler Thornhill  

Engine 7 responded to a report of a cardiac arrest with bystanders providing CPR. The crew rapidly initiated advanced life support measures, restoring a stable heart rhythm prior to transfer to Mercy EMS. Follow-up confirmed a successful recovery after an extensive hospital course. 

November 17, 2025 

Captain Sean Jackson, Firefighter Antonio Panetta, and Firefighter Trenton Herr 

Ladder 9 responded to a cardiac arrest at a local fitness facility. Two nurses began CPR immediately, and firefighters continued aggressive resuscitation efforts, delivering multiple shocks and multiple rounds of CPR prior to the CoxHealth EMS arrival. After continued, sustained efforts by the entire team, circulation was restored. This remarkable save underscores the strength of community responders working together. 

November 23, 2025 

Equipment Operator Jacob Heithaus, Firefighter John Nickleson, and Firefighter Collin Sigrest 

Engine 13 responded to an unconscious individual experiencing chest pain prior to collapse. Through rapid CPR, defibrillation, and coordination with CoxHealth EMS, circulation was restored on scene. The patient was transported and later discharged from the hospital. 

December 23, 2025 

Captain Brandon Graff, Firefighter, Scott Owens, and Firefighter Phillip Owens

Engine 7 responded to a medical emergency at a dialysis center where staff had already initiated CPR. Firefighters seamlessly integrated into the resuscitation effort, providing airway support and compressions, and assisting CoxHealth EMS with cardiac monitoring on their arrival. Circulation was restored on scene, and one firefighter rode with the patient to the hospital to continue ventilation assistance. The patient survived the cardiac arrest and was later discharged with positive neurological outcomes. 

A Community Effort 

These life-saving outcomes reflect more than individual actions — they represent the strength of a well-trained department, strong partnerships with EMS and law enforcement, and community members willing to step forward and begin CPR before responders arrive. 

Early CPR, rapid defibrillation, and professional teamwork continue to make the difference between tragedy and survival. We are proud of the commitment, skill, and compassion demonstrated by our crews every day in service to this community.