Macomb Township

Township recognizes 2012’s lifesavers

By Robert Guttersohn
C & G Staff Writer

» click to enlarge « Photo by Robert Guttersohn Macomb resident Joan Fletcher embraces Firefighter Kyle Yonkowski, one of four men who administered CPR and rushed her to the hospital last year. At the Jan. 9 Board of Trustees meeting, Fletcher personally thanked the men who saved her life. Photo by Robert Guttersohn Macomb resident Joan Fletcher embraces Firefighter Kyle Yonkowski, one of four men who administered CPR and rushed her to the hospital last year. At the Jan. 9 Board of Trustees meeting, Fletcher personally thanked the men who saved her life.

MACOMB TOWNSHIP — Joan Fletcher celebrated on Jan. 7 her first birthday “of being alive” after township firefighters and EMS crew saved her a year earlier by administering CPR and rushing her to the hospital.

After more than two months in the hospital and almost a year of recovery, Fletcher was able to personally thank the men who saved her life at the Jan. 9 Board of Trustees meeting.

“My mother always said, ‘There are angels on this earth and you never know who they are,’” Fletcher said to the board. “I’ve been lucky enough to meet some of mine, and tonight, they are getting some big hugs from me.”

Her short statement kicked off the emotional 2012 Lifesaving Awards Presentation, which allowed citizens to thank the first responders and even loved ones who saved their lives at some point last year. Fire Chief Robert Phillips presented the lifesavers with certificates of appreciation.

Carol Bone started CPR on her husband Clayton when he became unconscious inside their home while suffering from a heart attack March 17.

“He told me, ‘I’m going down,’ and I thought he was joking,” Carol said after the board meeting. “Next thing I know, he’s lying on the ground.”

Carol not only administered CPR but also gave orders to her daughter Lisa to grab an aspirin and put it under his tongue, a move recommended by cardiologists.

Carol, who learned first aid because she works in a daycare, said it was the first time she ever had to use CPR in a real situation.

Carmen Rinaldi, who had CPR administered to him for 45 minutes, was also on hand to thank his lifesavers.

“If anybody doesn’t appreciate you guys, I will,” Rinaldi said to the firefighters lined up at the front of the meeting room. “I’ll always vote for your raises.”

Supervisor Janet Dunn, touched by the ceremony, said it was a perfect way to start 2013.

“I don’t know how we can ever top this,” she said before continuing with the rest of the meeting. “But what a nice way to start off the new year.”

You can reach C & G Staff Writer Robert Guttersohn at rguttersohn@candgnews.com or at (586)218-5006.