Anthony Diaz is honored as a community hero at the 17th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards ceremony on May 19, 2022, in Carson, CA. Photo by Embry Lopez/American Red Cross
On Saturday, Jan. 29, 2022, an off-duty Santa Monica Police Department employee suffered a cardiac arrest while at Memorial Park Gym. Luckily, Jose Barron and Anthony Diaz, both employees of the City of Santa Monica Community Recreation, witnessed this and were able to jump into action.
Without hesitation, Barron and Diaz were able to render aid. They dialed 9-1-1 and worked together while taking directions from the dispatcher, Joanna Worgan. She provided the two men with instructions to initiate CPR and on how to properly use the defibrillator.
The paramedics arrived while the employee was unconscious. However, upon examination they found that he was able to breathe and had a pulse. He was immediately transported by medics to a local hospital for further treatment. He survived, and fully recovered. The employee was able to go home to his family one week later.
On Feb. 19, 2022, both employees were awarded the Santa Monica Fire Department's Citizens Award with sincere gratitude and appreciation for their heroic actions and unwavering decision to help someone in need.
18th Annual Hometown Heroes Awards
Each year, the American Red Cross honors individuals from across Los Angeles County who have demonstrated heroism through extraordinary acts of courage and humanitarian service. We call these selfless individuals Hometown Heroes.
The nominees are ordinary citizens, who go above and beyond to help their communities -from performing CPR when a stranger collapse at a shopping mall to pulling someone from a burning car or building and so much more. They jump into action in a moment’s notice without hesitation – they are a true Hero.
Learn more about the 18th annual Hometown Hero Awards Ceremony on May, 18, 2023.
About the American Red Cross:
The American Red Cross shelters, feeds and provides comfort to victims of disasters; supplies about 40% of the nation’s blood; teaches skills that save lives; distributes international humanitarian aid; and supports veterans, military members and their families. The Red Cross is a nonprofit organization that depends on volunteers and the generosity of the American public to deliver its mission. For more information, please visit redcross.org or CruzRojaAmericana.org, or follow us on social media.
Support all the urgent humanitarian needs of the American Red Cross.
Find a drive and schedule a blood donation appointment today.
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