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Olive Branch honors firefighters and medics for on‑scene resuscitation of city employee
Summary
At the Jan. 20 Board of Aldermen meeting, Fire Chief Clark presented life‑saving medals to members of Engine 1C and Unit 1C for restoring cardiac activity twice during a Sept. 29, 2025 cardiac arrest at City Hall and for arranging home accessibility modifications for the patient.
Fire Chief Clark on Tuesday presented life‑saving medals to members of Engine 1C and Unit 1C for a response to an emergency at City Hall on Sept. 29, 2025.
“Shortly thereafter, the patient experienced respiratory failure and cardiac arrest,” Clark told the board, and said firefighters and paramedics initiated advanced life‑saving measures, “including CPR, coordinated chest compressions, and administration of emergency medications.” He said responders restored cardiac activity twice before arrival at Methus Hospital Branch and credited professionalism and teamwork for the outcome.
Clark named the honorees and their roles: Lieutenant Jeff Hawks; driver/paramedic Patrick; firefighter‑EMT Will Pressler; Jaden (firefighter); paramedic Payton Elkins; and Paul Kleta, who has since been promoted to EMS captain. Family members and colleagues stood as the board recognized the team.
The chief said department members also assisted the patient after hospitalization by building a handicap‑accessible ramp at the person’s home so they could access the property during recovery. “It’s amazing what y’all do and thank you very much for what you do,” the mayor said during the recognition.
The awards were presented before the board moved on to its regularly scheduled planning and administrative business.
