Former deputy police chief recounts heart attack and thanks Rio Rancho first responders

Sean Shaw, introduced by the city manager as a former deputy police chief and former city councilor, told the City of Rio Rancho governing body about a medical emergency he suffered on Nov. 20 and praised the city's emergency responders and hospital staff for lifesaving care. "Call 911, and do not try to drive yourself," Shaw told the council, describing intense chest pain and the response from consolidated dispatch, Rio Rancho Fire Rescue personnel and Rust Medical Center.

Shaw described arriving by ambulance and being taken to a cath lab after monitoring and tests; he said the cardiologist placed two stents in his left anterior descending artery, which he called the "widow maker," and that he spent two nights in the hospital. He credited dispatchers, paramedics and hospital staff by name when he could: he thanked "Sierra" in dispatch, firefighters Padilla and Acosta, Engineer Muniz, Captain Michael's crew, Deputy Chief Wenzel and Chief DeFlippo for their roles in the response.

City Manager Matt Geisel invited Shaw to speak during the city-manager report. Geisel and several councilors joined Shaw in publicly thanking first responders and cited recent difficult emergency calls that reinforce the strain and emotional load carried by those workers. Councilor Tyler also thanked Shaw and said the public recognition underscored appreciation for firefighters, dispatchers and hospital staff.

Shaw closed by presenting a printed shirt as a token of thanks for paramedic Chavez and encouraged residents to rely on the emergency system when they think they may be having a heart attack or stroke. The council did not take formal action on Shaw's remarks; they were offered as a public recognition and personal testimony to the council during the manager's report.