‘You didn’t give up on me’: Man thanks firefighters for saving his life

WARWICK, R.I. (WPRI) — A Rhode Island man and his family expressed their gratitude on Monday to the first responders in Warwick who saved his life during a medical emergency.

On the night of May 9, Thomas McKenna went into respiratory arrest at his Audubon Road home.

A next-door neighbor and retired nurse, Patricia Stark, started CPR until three teams from the Warwick Fire Department rushed to the scene.

Upon arriving, the eight firefighters quickly took over and provided medical aid.

McKenna had reportedly stopped breathing, and his heart had stopped beating, too.

But that didn’t stop the first responders from answering the call.

“It’s not very often we have a such positive outcome with a witness cardiac arrest,” Warwick Fire Chief Peter McMichael explained. “It really highlights the importance of knowing CPR.”

McKenna was resuscitated. He wanted to thank them for their dedication, and today he got that chance during a small ceremony.

“I’m lucky to be here today,” McKenna said. “You didn’t give up on me, so I came back to thank you.”

Warwick Mayor Frank Picozzi recognized each firefighter, as well as the retired nurse, with a citation honoring their life-saving measures.

Listed below are the names of the eight firefighters who were recognized:

• Rescue 5: RLt. Matthew Wood and Pvt. Christopher Famiglietti
• Engine 2: Lt. Ryan Dursin, Pvt. Jack Camus and Pvt. Bradford Ginaitt
• Ladder 2: Lt. Nicholas Myrtle, Pvt. Michael Cookson and Pvt. Christopher Zaino

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to NewsNation.