Lifesaving Award recipients Alicia Bruno, Morea Hallas, Sarah Crawford and Ozias Figueroa, shown with Ela Landegger (Red Cross Volunteer, Tampa Bay Board Chair), Janson Murphy (Red Cross Disaster Program Manager, Tampa Bay Chapter), and Michael D. Brown (Regional CEO, American Red Cross of Central Florida and the U.S. Virgin Islands).
Photo by Sarah Harriage, American Red Cross
Story by Matthew Conroy, Communications Intern
When moments matter, CPR saves lives. Four St. Petersburg lifeguards were recognized with Red Cross Lifesaving Awards for actions taken as professional responders.
During a presentation of the awards on August 1, 2024, Michael D. Brown, Regional CEO of American Red Cross of Central Florida, commended the recipients with high praise. "In my experience with the American Red Cross, I’ve learned that heroes are all around us. But I’ve also learned that these individuals are not common -- because to act quickly and decisively during a crisis takes a level of courage reserved only for a chosen few,” he said.
In 2023, four Walter Fuller Recreation Center lifeguards, who were on duty nearby, saved the life of a man who collapsed during a pickleball game. The lifeguards sprang into action after being alerted by bystanders of the situation. Ozias Figueroa, Sarah Crawford, Morea Hallas and Alicia Bruno quickly responded to the scene, performing CPR on the man and delivering two shocks from the AED. The man’s heart began to beat, and he regained consciousness.
St. Petersburg Fire Rescue and Sunstar arrived to continue treatment and transported the patient to HCA Florida Northside Hospital for cardiac care. Thanks to the rapid response of the lifeguards, the man was able to walk out of the hospital feeling well and rejuvenated just a few days later.
City of St. Petersburg Recreation Supervisor, Anita Westmoreland said “Our team’s life-saving efforts remind me every day of their remarkable dedication and courage. I am incredibly proud of each staff member for their unwavering commitment to protecting our community. Their readiness to step up, act swiftly, and make a difference in moments of crisis reflects their true character, and I couldn’t ask for a better team.”
Get Trained
Red Cross training gives people the knowledge and skills to act in an emergency to save a life. A variety of online, blended (online and in- person skills session) and classroom courses are available at redcross.org/takeaclass.
Nominate a Hero
Nominate an individual or group of individuals who have used lifesaving skills taught by the Red Cross to help save or sustain a life at livesavingawards.org.
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