Civilian heroes, first responders honored for saving a life

ROCHESTER — On Sunday, May 10 Hugh McGonagle suffered a heart attack while golfing with four of his other friends on the course at the Rochester Golf Club but was saved with quick action from his friends, strangers and first responders. 

On Friday, June 12 first responders and hero civilians gathered to be honored at the Rochester Senior Center to celebrate McGonagle’s survival and everyone who was involved with his rescue. 

Rochester Fire Department Captain Kevin Richard said that the teamwork between everyone saved a life. He said that the department has responded to three other cardiac arrests in the past with successful outcomes. 

“Hugh's presence here today is a powerful reminder of why we train and why we respond and why every second in that process counts,” Richard said. 

Around 8:30 a.m. on May 10, McGonagle collapsed on hole three of the course and his friends soon realized he was in cardiac arrest. 

Realizing they were far from the parking lot and access to the ambulance when it arrived, McGonagle’s friends, Brent Burrel, Charles Schlaegel and Warren Hovasse placed McGonagle into a golf cart and drove towards the parking lot while one of the men performed CPR. 

John Magilton of Fairhaven saw the four men struggling and immediately began CPR on McGonagle as they neared the parking lot. 

Magilton said he had “no doubt” in his mind that he had to do something and had past experience in CPR classes and worked in medicine most of his life. 

When the fire department, ambulance and police department arrived, Magiliton was relieved of CPR as responders set up an automatic chest compression machine. 

One of the first responders was Stepehn Cody, son-in-law to McGonagle. Richard explained this was common in small towns with many first responders coming from home into unknown calls that involve family members. 

McGonagle was then transported to Toby Hospital then airlifted to a Boston medical center.

After each first responder and civilian was recognized, McGonagle thanked everyone for saving his life. 

“Standing here today is a gift I don't take for granted,” McGonagle said. “Not long ago, my life depended entirely on the quick thinking, skill, and bravery of the people in this room. Because of you, I'm here to say two words that will never feel big enough: Thank you.” 

John Magilton, Brent Burrel, Charles Schlaegel and Warren Hovasse all received the Civilian Life Saver Award. 

Deputy Chief Jeffrey Eldridge, Captain Kevin Richard, Paramedic David Zander, Paramedic Steve Cody, Firefighter Benjamin Ferreira, Sergeant Catherine Connolly and Detective Paul Douglas were awarded the Fire/Emergency Medical Services/Police Lifesaver Awards

Supervisor Stephanie Lenihan, Dispatcher Kristen McDonald, Fire Dispatcher Ashley Joyce, Fire Dispatcher Andrea Tarrant, Police Dispatcher Jordan Shairs and Police Dispatcher Patrick Moran all received Certificates of Recognition.