Jessica Schwarz, First Responders Honored for Lifesaving Actions

Jessica initiated CPR on her husband during a cardiac event on August 31.

Photo by Travis Thayer, Eagle Country 99.3.

(Greendale, Ind.) - Several first responders were recognized on Wednesday afternoon for responding to a cardic event that occurred in August. 

It was Monday, August 31 when Lawrenceburg Police Officer David Schwarz had a cardiac event while driving near his home. His wife, Jessica, jumped into action, got their Jeep stopped and removed Schwarz from the vehicle and started CPR. 

It wasn't long after that Greendale Police, Lawrenceburg Fire and EMS personnel arrived on the scene. Schwarz was then transported to St. Elizabeth Dearborn where he was diagnosed with two blocked arteries and underwent successful bi-pass surgery. 

"I am very grateful to have him here with us today. I am grateful for all my years training CPR. I didn't think I would ever have to use it this way, but I am glad that I used my training and we were all able to bring him back and save him," said Jessica Schwarz. "Thank you to our friends and family. The community has been amazing, I didn't know we had so many people that love us so much. We are extremely grateful. 

Fighting back tears, David spoke, saying "I'm glad I'm here. Thanks to everybody." 

Among those recognized at Wednesday's ceremony were:

• Greendale Fire and EMS: Andy Brookbank, Meagen Brookbank, Nick Myers, Connor Gompf, Cody Gaines, Austin Kernan, Andrew Verble, and Dylan Rush
• Lawrenceburg Fire/EMS: Cody McNeely
• Greendale Police: Josh Bauer, Benton Braesicke
• Dearborn County Dispatch: Will Sunderman, Brian Beatty, Christina Maitz
• Patients Wife: Jessica Schwarz

RELATED: Lawrenceburg Police Officer Saved by Wife Following Cardiac Event

"When we get called to even such as this and they find out it is one that they worked with that can go one or two ways. They could get tunnel vision and just freeze. The officers here, they didn't do that. They jumped right into action and did what they are trained to do, and used all the available tools they had at their disposal to bring David back. It couldn't have been done without the help of Jessica initiating the CPR," said Greendale Police Chief Shane Slack.

In light of this event, which could have turned a different direction, Greendale Fire encourages community members to complete CPR training - which is available at the Greendale Fire Department.