Back on August 18, 2022, Police Officer Bryan Gil was working a road detail at the intersection of Union and Piermont Avenue in Cresskill, when he heard a woman yell for him, screaming that her baby (Sydney) was convulsing and not breathing. Officer Gil immediately radioed for Emergency Medical Services and additional resources. He began to administer back blows to help clear the young child’s airway.
A few minutes later, Officers Andrew Vigorita and Michael Stevens arrived on scene. Officer Vigorita then also administered back blows while Officer Stevens started to put Sydney in the recovery position after she started convulsing. At this time, young Sydney stopped convulsing and appeared to be stable and able to breath.
Oxygen was administered and Sydney was immediately transported to the hospital once EMS arrived on scene. Due to the quick thinking and medical training of Officers Gil, Vigorita and Stevens, they were able to stabilize the young child and helped save her life.
On June 21, 2023, American Red Cross Executive Director Sara Huisking, together with Cresskill Chief of Police James Domville, presented Police Officer Bryan Gil, Police Officer Andrew Vigorita and Police Officer Michael Stevens with the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. This award is given to individuals who step up in an emergency situation and help save or sustain a life. These individuals exemplify the mission of the American Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies. They are to be commended for their willingness to help others in distress.
Little Sydney is now a happy and healthy 25-month-old beautiful girl enjoying life with her parents in a different state. Although the family could not be present, a statement from Sydney’s parents was read by her grandmother Sharon Abrams:
It’s been said that “it takes a village” to raise a child. Our village includes the usual inhabitants: nannies, nursery school teachers, grandparents, and the occasional episode of Sesame Street. About a year ago, our village grew to include the Cresskill Fire Department, the Emergency Department at Englewood Hospital, and most importantly, the three officers we are here today to honor.
Simply put, Sydney is a remarkable little girl. She leaves us in awe every day. The love we have for her is indescribable. Her health and well-being are our top priority. As such, it is hard to put into words the gratitude we feel towards the three officers who helped our little girl in one of her greatest times of need; “thank you,” simply doesn’t capture how we feel.
Your quick thinking, calmness under pressure, and professionalism were made apparent that fateful day, and your actions prevented what could have been an unthinkable tragedy. We are blessed, and honored, to count you amongst the members of Sydney’s village. While we regret not being able to be with you today, we hope that these words purvey the tremendous appreciation we have for you.
After 110 years, the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program, originally conceived as one award in 1911, has since evolved into three: The Certificate of Merit, The Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, and The Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
The first was awarded 1911 in recognition of first aid work rendered by railway men who helped save a life. From 1911, thousands of awards have been issued to individuals who have saved or have sustained a life, many as a direct result of American Red Cross Training Services programs.
If you or someone you know has used skills and knowledge learned in an American Red Cross Training Services course to help save or sustain the life of another individual, you can visit LifesavingAwards.org to nominate, recognize, or be inspired.
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