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Springfield honors firefighters, first‑aid squad and teammate after on‑court collapse
Summary
Springfield Township Committee issued a proclamation recognizing a teammate, the Springfield Fire Department and the Springfield First Aid Squad for life‑saving actions after a recreational basketball player collapsed Nov. 12; the committee also promoted and swore in fire personnel.
Mayor Richard Huber issued a proclamation thanking the individuals whose quick action helped save the life of Lance Brown after he collapsed during an adult recreational basketball game at Jonathan Dayton High School on Nov. 12. The proclamation named teammate Zack Onel (the proclamation text also spells the surname Antel), members of the Springfield Fire Department and Springfield First Aid Squad, and listed first‑aid responders and firefighters by name.
"I just want to show how exceptionally proud I am of the Springfield Fire Department and First Aid Squad," Mayor Huber said during remarks after the proclamation, adding his appreciation for committee members who brought the recognition forward. The mayor and committee invited the honorees to the dais for photographs and applause.
The proclamation states teammate Zack Onel provided immediate CPR—described in the record as having "15 years of CPR training"—while firefighters and first‑aid squad members used an automated external defibrillator and continued resuscitation efforts until ambulance crews transported Brown to the hospital for surgery that night.
The committee also held swearing‑in ceremonies: Captain Timothy Haidok was sworn in on his promotion and firefighter Ryan Sikinger was welcomed as a new department member. Committee members and attendees offered congratulations and thanked the departments for their service.
The proclamation and the swearing‑in were presented during the committee’s final meeting of the year; no formal action or ordinance resulted from these items. The record shows the committee publicly praised departmental coordination and encouraged continued community support for first responders.
