Maplewood firefighter recovers from cardiac event, leaves hospital

MAPLEWOOD, Mo. – A Maplewood firefighter who faced serious injuries during a rescue Monday night is improving.

Captain Paul Szydlowski, a 29-year veteran of the department, walked out of Barnes Hospital Friday night.

He was rushed there after suffering a major cardiac event while battling a fire at the Rivercrest Apartments on Monday night.

The fire displaced several Webster University students . At least 10 units were impacted leaving heavy smoke and water damage.

During the fire, Captain Szydlowski played a key role in rescuing a young child and an adult from a second-story apartment.

His quick actions helped save lives but it was the response of his fellow firefighters from the Affton Fire Protection District that may have saved his life.

The Maplewood Fire Department put out an update on Facebook saying they wanted to thank everyone for their support as Captain Szydlowski continues his recovery.

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