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Commissioners honor local CPR advocate and mark 60 years for Sun City Center Emergency Squad
Summary
The board presented commendations to Andrew Emerton for founding Breathe Florida and to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad for 60 years of volunteer service, including national honors and community outreach on CPR and AED use.
At its Dec. 17 meeting the Hillsborough County Board of County Commissioners presented two public recognitions: a commendation to Andrew Emerton for founding Breathe Florida after surviving sudden cardiac arrest, and a commendation to the Sun City Center Emergency Squad for 60 years of volunteer emergency medical service.
Commissioner Bowles introduced Andrew Emerton and read the board's accommodation noting the nonprofit's fundraising and free CPR certification work for high-school students. Emerton told the board he survived sudden cardiac arrest after friends began CPR and that he started Breathe Florida to offer no-cost certification and community empowerment: "Without God's grace... I live and stand before you all today," he told commissioners.
Dr. Sam (EMPC and former ER physician) performed a short demonstration and encouraged training: "Anyone can save a life with CPR... push 2 inches, 120 a minute," he said, and reminded the audience that AEDs offer voice prompts and easy steps.
The board also recognized the Sun City Center Emergency Squad, noting nearly 4,000 ambulance calls responded to annually, roughly 370 volunteers, and an estimated $4.5 million in taxpayer savings. The squad's chief accepted the commendation and credited volunteer members for the service.
