Oct 17, 2013 2 min read

One recent afternoon, I left my house and entered my car to go into town. As I was getting in my car, I saw my neighbor lying on the ground working on his vehicle. It struck me odd that he was on his back. He’s in his 80s and has bad legs but gets around fair. As I approached him, I saw his eyes partially shut and his hands curled. I knew he was having a heart attack.

A short distance away, four young men from T&H Paving were getting ready to pour some asphalt. I yelled for them to please come over and help me. I called 911 and the dispatcher asked if any of us knew CPR. None of us did. She asked for someone to please lean over the gentleman and she would instruct him. One the four young men immediately knelt down and started to follow the instructions.

For about six minutes – it seemed like forever -he and his brother administered CPR until the ambulance arrived. Even after the paramedics were on the spot, they assisted them in any way they could. One even consoled the wife of the man.

In today’s world, one can become cynical of young people. However, I found a few heroes who showed maturity way beyond their years. I often used the phrase “I would trust him or her with my life” when someone would ask about a dear friend. These young men fit that phrase. I am so proud of them. Their parents have much to be proud of. Also, the dispatcher was the epitome of professionalism.

Joe Paletta

Washington