The Flat Rock City Council recognized police officers and firefighters for two on-scene lifesaving responses during its meeting, and the fire chief outlined recent call volumes, training updates and a planned hire.

City presenters said on Aug. 22, 2024, at about 6:54 a.m., police and fire units were dispatched to Kate’s Kitchen for a person not breathing. Responders deployed a Lucas chest-compression system and provided advanced life support; “after 2 defibrillations, the patient's heart began to beat again,” and the patient was transported to Trenton Corwell ER, according to the presentation and remarks attributing the outcome to Chief Wheaton.

A second incident on Sept. 10, 2024, at about 6:35 a.m., involved a 15-year-old male on Hawthorne who had no pulse when officers arrived. Officers applied an AED and delivered two shocks; fire crews deployed a Lucas system and continued advanced life support before the patient was taken to Trenton Corwell ER. A family member who spoke at the meeting said, “Know that your actions on September 10 made a profound difference and will never be forgotten. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts for everything that you did for Houston and the incredible work that you do every day. You are all true heroes.”

Fire Chief Derek told the council the department ran 136 calls in October: 119 EMS calls, seven vehicle accidents and 10 fire-related calls. The department received mutual aid three times and provided mutual aid nine times. Derek said apparatus deployments and a training overhaul are under way to align department training with OSHA, NFPA and ISO standards; October included hose and hydrant testing and a combined 86 hours of hands-on and 59 hours of online training across personnel. He also said the department hired another part‑time firefighter/EMT expected to start in December.

Council members and the mayor praised the coordination between police and fire and the responders’ skills. No formal council action was recorded for the awards themselves; the recognition was ceremonial and presented during the meeting.

The presentations named responding personnel including Sergeant Matt Wilchinski, Corporal Jeremy Mullins, Corporal Matt McLaughlin, Captain John Rose, Firefighter Medic Josh Lee, Firefighter Medic Brad Smith and Firefighter EMT Dakota Coleman. The council also heard brief public comments thanking responders and noting community appreciation.

The council packet and staff remarks said the Lucas automated chest-compression devices on rescue units had contributed to positive outcomes in multiple incidents; presenters credited the devices along with AED use and coordinated advanced life-support care for the survivals.

Council members asked for and received a short breakdown offer from the chief on response-time differences when mutual aid is used versus when city units transport; Derek said he would provide that analysis on request.