Brentwood Paramedics, Firefighter Honored for Saving Lives

During the night of Feb. 4, Brentwood paramedics Eric Rakey and Jake Erschen received a medical call for a man who was experiencing chest pains while inside his vehicle.

After they arrived on the scene, Rakey and Erschen loaded the man onto a stretcher and into an ambulance, where he was connected to a monitor. Once inside, he became unresponsive. The paramedics administered CPR and shocked the man twice before he finally began to breathe again on his own.

"Without question, the paramedics' actions that day saved a life," said Bob Kurtz, assistant chief of the .

Kurtz awarded Rakey and Erschen letters of commendation during the Brentwood Board of Aldermen meeting on Monday night. Others were honored for their service as well.

Lt. Matt Stoverink was recognized for helping a neighbor while off duty on Jan. 5, when he entered a house that was on fire, found his neighbor in the basement and escorted her outside.

Erschen was again honored, along with his partner, paramedic Phil Abegg, for their service on Jan. 30. They received a medical call for a man experiencing chest pains. When they arrived, the man was sitting on his couch and clutching his chest. He was transported to a hospital, where he went into cardiac arrest shortly after arriving. Erschen and Abegg assisted emergency room staff.

"Paramedics Erchen and Abbeg's dedication, support and desire to never give up is what led to the patient coming stable. Weeks later, this 45-year-old male walked into the fire station to personally thank paramedics Ershen, Abegg and other members of the crew," Kurtz said.

The patient was Second Ward Alderman Mike Marshall, who suffered a heart attack.

"We really appreciate it," said Marshall, whose family was in attendance for the presentation

"When it's one of the family members, it really hits home," said Mayor Pat Kelly. "We really appreciate it and understand the extra effort you guys go through every day."