Former fire captain credited with saving attendee at parish dance

Kevin Bennett, identified in the transcript as an ex‑captain and firehouse chaplain with the Meadowir Park Fire Department, received a citation from the Village of Valley Stream Board of Trustees at the March 16 board meeting for performing CPR that helped save parishioner Bobby Flynn.

The board recounted that on the evening of Jan. 10, during a parish dance at Holy Name of Mary Church, Flynn suddenly collapsed and became unresponsive. Kevin Bennett ran to his aid, began CPR and continued until EMTs arrived; the EMTs intubated Flynn and transported him to the hospital. According to the board’s summary of medical comments at the meeting, attending doctors said Bennett’s rapid response and administration of CPR “clearly saved Mr. Flynn’s life.”

Trustee Sharon Daly, who said she was present at the event, described the emotion in the room and the relief when Flynn recovered, saying attendees repeatedly told rescuers, “Whoever gave him the CPR was the reason that Bobby’s life was saved.” The board invited Flynn to the podium during the March meeting and presented the citation in recognition and gratitude for Bennett’s actions.

The presentation included photographs with family and friends who witnessed the emergency; board members and the honoree exchanged brief remarks. The transcript also notes that a priest administered last rites at the scene before Flynn recovered, underscoring how serious the emergency appeared to bystanders. The board did not propose any follow‑up policy action; the item was a recognition only.