Guilford Firefighters Honored for Life Saving Response on Long Hill Road

Unit Commendation Awards

Guilford, CT – It started as a routine July morning in Guilford, but events on July 13, 2025 will be remembered for a remarkable display of teamwork between citizens and first responders. That day, dispatchers sent Squad 1 and Medic 2 to Long Hill Road after reports of a man in cardiac arrest; a bystander had already begun cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Firefighter/paramedic John Planas and Firefighter/EMT Jason Beeker responded on Squad 1 and were the first to arrive. They found the 68 year old male patient unresponsive and in ventricular fibrillation, a shockable heart rhythm. Crew members delivered a 200 joule defibrillation shock and followed it with chest compressions. Moments later, the patient began breathing on his own and started to move and respond. When Medic 2, staffed by firefighter/paramedic Dan Post and firefighter/EMT Dan O'Brien arrived, they joined Squad 1 in stabilizing the patient, who soon had a pulse and purposeful movement.

Throughout the incident, the initial bystander identified by officials as Meghan Copeland, remained calm and assisted responders. Her decision to start CPR immediately “undoubtedly made this outcome possible,” according to Guilford Fire Captain and Deputy Fire Marshal Jim Considine. As the crews loaded the patient into Medic 2 for the trip to Yale New Haven Hospital, the patient was awake, breathing on his own and answering questions. Follow up from the hospital later revealed that he had an automatic implanted cardiac defibrillator (AICD) and experienced no lasting side effects from the arrest.

In recognition of their quick actions and seamless teamwork, the Guilford Fire Department presented a Certificate of Commendation to the four responders: Firefighter/paramedic John Planas, Firefighter/paramedic Dan Post, Firefighter/EMT Jason Beeker and Firefighter/EMT Dan O’Brien. The citation also commended Meghan Copeland for initiating CPR, highlighting how early intervention and coordinated care can mean the difference between life and death. As part of the honor, the firefighters are authorized to wear the Unit Commendation Ribbon on their Class A uniforms.

Fire Chief Michael Shove said the incident underscores the importance of public CPR training and rapid response. “When a bystander begins chest compressions right away, it buys us the minutes we need to get there and make a difference,”. “This was a textbook save thanks to a caring citizen and a highly trained crew.”

Residents are encouraged to learn CPR and to call 911 immediately when someone collapses.

If you are interested in attending a CPR course, please contact Erin at 203-453-8056.