Newberry Man Survives, Responders Recognized for Quick Action

NEWBERRY – The life of a Newberry man who suffered a heart attack was saved through the coordinated efforts of multiple emergency agencies, leading to the inaugural presentation of the Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence during a joint Alachua County Board of County Commissioners (BoCC) and City of Newberry meeting on May 12, 2025.

Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman led the ceremony, highlighting the extraordinary teamwork that brought the man back from cardiac arrest.

“Although this exceptional outcome has occurred in Alachua County in the past, the City and County have chosen to recognize this achievement in a new way with the Phoenix Award,” Lyman said.

Lyman explained that the Phoenix Award honors those who “played a direct and critical role in saving a person who was in cardiac arrest — whose heart had stopped — and who, because of the incredible teamwork, determination and skill of those involved, not only survived, but walked out of the hospital just a few days later with a full, neurologically intact recovery.”

The life-saving event unfolded on Sunday, April 13, just after 10 a.m. when a 911 call was made reporting a man unresponsive outside his home. Telecommunicator Cherie Muse at the Alachua County Combined Communications Center took the call, collected vital information, and began delivering CPR instructions to the man’s wife.

“She continued to coach, reassure and encourage the man’s wife until the first Sheriff’s Deputies, Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake, arrived at the scene and took over CPR,” Lyman recounted.

Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg simultaneously directed first responders to the scene, providing continuous updates to ensure they were prepared upon arrival.

When units arrived, the patient was found unresponsive, not breathing, and without a pulse. Responders immediately began advanced life support procedures, including connecting a heart monitor, establishing an intravenous line, and securing his airway. Crews administered medications, delivered electric shocks to the heart, and performed manual breathing. These efforts restored the man’s pulse on-site.

The patient was then transported by Alachua County Fire Rescue's Rescue 28 to UF Health Shands Hospital with Rescue Lieutenant Michael Reddig, Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, and Newberry Firefighter/Paramedic Kristi Langston onboard.

He underwent emergency surgery to repair a blockage, followed by a second procedure the next day. On April 17, just four days after the cardiac event, the man walked out of the hospital with a full recovery.

“The co-location of ACFR Rescue 28 in Newberry’s fire house played a central role in transporting this gentleman in a timely manner and in his outcome,” Lyman said. “This is what partnership looks like. This is what serving a community together truly means.”

During the ceremony, Newberry Mayor Tim Marden presented each award recipient with a metallic ribbon pin to wear on their uniform, symbolizing their role in the life-saving effort. Each honoree also received a plaque commemorating their achievement.

“Tonight, we recognize that it takes a team of this size—working as one—to create the best possible outcome. This is what our residents deserve and this is what they received that day,” Lyman added.

The Phoenix Award for Life-Saving Excellence was presented to the dedicated individuals who played critical roles in the rescue effort. Among those honored were Telecommunicator Cherie Muse, who provided CPR instructions and reassurance during the emergency, and Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg, who coordinated the response with real-time updates.

Deputies Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake were recognized for their immediate on-scene efforts to perform CPR, while Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, Lieutenant Michael Reddig, and Firefighter/Paramedics Kristi Langston and Louis Derousie were acknowledged for their advanced life support measures. Additionally, Driver/Operator Amby Cason and Lieutenant Justin Asbell were commended for their critical roles in transporting the patient to the hospital.

The Alachua County Combined Communications Center, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office, Alachua County Fire Rescue, and the Newberry Fire Department were also recognized for their seamless coordination and life-saving teamwork during the incident.

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