More than a dozen people from the Shawano Police Department, Shawano Ambulance Services and elsewhere were recognized by the city police for saving a man’s life recently.
Lt. Mike Musolff gave letters of commendation during the Nov. 13 Shawano Common Council meeting to Sgt. Michelle Kamba, Officer Jeff Buettner, Officer Jacob Giannoni and community service officer Tom Cotter from the police department; Michelle Brittnacher, Joe Gazeley, Jed Meidam, Brock Epping, Jordan Hebert and Josh Zandi with the ambulance service; Dohn Dallman and Cody Hudson with the public works department; and co-worker Steve Baird.
“Today, we gather here to recognize an extraordinary team of first responders who recently demonstrated exceptional courage, skill and unwavering dedication during a critical emergency,” Musolff said.
The incident in question took place in the early afternoon of Sept. 13, Matthew Meidam was in a work vehicle in Shawano when he experienced a heart attack, according to Musolff. He noted that, in those crucial moments, every second mattered.
“Steve Baird, Matthew’s co-worker, was the first to act by immediately calling 911 and providing Matthew with lifesaving assistance,” Musolff said. “Without hesitation, Officer Jeff Buettner responded swiftly to the scene and initiated CPR, beginning a lifesaving chain of events.”
Kamba arrived on the scene shortly thereafter with a defibrillator to shock Meidam’s heart and stabilize him, according to Musolff. The public works employees also assisted before the ambulance crews arrived on the scene, he said. Giannoni and Cotter helped to secure the road so the other responders could tend to Meidam.
Ambulance crews initially took Meidam to ThedaCare Medical Center-Shawano, but he required advanced care at another hospital, according to Musolff.
“This collaborative and courageous team effort is a testament to the commitment each of you has as citizens of our community and to one another,” he said to the honorees. “Today, we recognize each of you for your selfless actions, professionalism and unwavering dedication to preserving life. Your teamwork exemplifies the very best of public service.”
lpulaski@newmedia-wi.com
Lifesavers recognized for saving man’s life
