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Cocoa Beach honors firefighters, lifeguards and bystanders after two cardiac-arrest rescues
Summary
The commission recognized two separate cardiac-arrest incidents — a 05/18/2025 golf-course arrest and a 06/23/2025 beach arrest — in which city employees, lifeguards, Cocoa Beach Fire Department personnel and bystanders delivered CPR and advanced life support, leading to patient survival and hospital discharge.
The Cocoa Beach City Commission recognized members of the Cocoa Beach Fire Department, lifeguards, city employees and bystanders for two cardiac-arrest rescues that resulted in survivors returning home.
Medical director Dr. Dudley told the commission that cardiac arrest is time-sensitive and that coordinated training, equipment and timely bystander CPR are essential. “When your heart stops, there's nothing that you yourself then can do. We rely on the 911 system, and we rely on the expertise and the professionalism of these men and women,” Dr. Dudley said.
The commission heard details about two incidents. On May 18, 2025, personnel responded to an unresponsive man on the greens at a city golf course. City golf employees, bystanders and firefighters provided hands-only CPR and advanced life support. Responders named during the presentation included Lieutenant Peter Marks, Lieutenant Tyler Barrett, Fire Medic Kyle Nichols, Fire EMT Patrick Derr, Fire EMT Nicholas Lish, Fire Medic Gabriela Sirocco and District Chief Scott Priebo; city employees Ed Aldridge, Glenn Adams and Mike Guy were also recognized. Survivor Richard Short addressed the commission and said, “I wouldn't be standing here if it weren't for Mike and all these people, and I just can't thank them enough.”
The commission also recognized a June 23, 2025, beach incident in which Brevard County Ocean Rescue lifeguards and Cocoa Beach Fire Department personnel found a victim in a life‑threatening rhythm, continued CPR and used advanced life‑support to restore a normal rhythm before hospital transport. Survivor Kevin Sigler, who identified himself and said he works at a nearby resort, thanked responders: “It's been a long road, but I'm thankful to be here and I really appreciate everything.”
Chief Justin Grimes and EMS Chief James Schindler presented certificates to the responding personnel and city employees. Staff also noted the role of Brevard County Fire Rescue, hospital emergency department staff and rehabilitation providers in both patients’ recoveries.
Staff said the outcomes highlighted the value of recent city-provided CPR training for employees and ongoing interagency coordination. The commission applauded the responders and acknowledged the broader community benefit of bystander CPR training and emergency-response readiness.
The presentation concluded with the commission thanking all responders and survivors and recognizing the department’s continuing training efforts.
