Cover photo: Nesconset firefighters honored for their life-saving actions (Credit – Nesconset FD Facebook)
A routine drive through town turned into a life-or-death emergency when a local firefighter noticed a person in distress on the side of the road. What followed was a rapid response effort from first responders that saved a life—an effort that has now been officially recognized.
The Nesconset Fire Department was recently honored for their life-saving efforts during a cardiac arrest emergency nearly a year earlier. The department received recognition from the Smithtown Chief Council, the Town of Smithtown, Suffolk County, and the State of New York for their heroic actions last February.
The awards were presented during a special ceremony at the Watermill Inn in Nesconset, a fitting location for a night dedicated to the brave men and women who serve the local community. Officials in attendance included Senator Mario Mattera (R-St. James), Suffolk County Clerk Vincent Puleo (R-Nesconset), and Smithtown Town Supervisor Ed Wehrheim (R-Kings Park). They joined together to celebrate the firefighters and EMTs who put their training—and their hearts—into action to save a life.
At approximately 4:05p.m. on February 24, 2024, Suffolk Fire Rescue received an urgent 911 call reporting a person down outside the Smithtown Toyota dealership on Middle Country Road.
As fate would have it, Ex-Chief Ryan Davis of the St. James Fire Department was driving by with his family at that exact moment. Davis quickly noticed a crowd gathering around a person lying on the ground, with bystanders attempting to check for a pulse but uncertain of what to do next.
Wasting no time, Davis pulled over, jumped out of his vehicle, and immediately began CPR while instructing others to call 911. It was clear that the victim was in cardiac arrest. Understanding the situation’s urgency, dispatch upgraded the emergency to a “16/23 Cardiac Arrest” response, signaling the highest priority level.
The first Nesconset Fire Department unit to arrive on the scene was led by Chief Chris Zarnitz, who quickly confirmed what Davis had already feared—the patient was in full cardiac arrest. Zarnitz and Davis worked together seamlessly, deploying an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and a Bag-Valve Mask (BVM) to assist with breathing.
As the minutes ticked by, Lt. Gaetano Lombardo of the Nesconset Fire Department arrived and took over chest compressions, allowing Davis to focus on the AED application. When the device advised a shock, Chief Zarnitz followed through, hoping to restore the patient’s heartbeat.
Meanwhile, more Nesconset FD units were rushing to the scene. Chiefs Danny Madden and AJ Anderson arrived soon after, stepping in to provide command and support. Madden quickly recognized that the department’s Advanced Life Support (ALS) unit was already responding to another emergency just minutes earlier, leaving them without an ALS provider at the scene. Knowing there was no time to waste, he called in Stony Brook Medic 45 for additional support.
Just moments later, Nesconset FD Ambulance 446 Bravo arrived with a dedicated crew, including Driver Lt. Edward Piotrowski and EMTs Stephen Light, Matthew Orlick, and Tyler Marra.
The crew immediately put the patient on an Auto Pulse device, a high-tech piece of equipment that provides consistent, high-quality chest compressions—an essential tool when treating cardiac arrest patients.
Even with all these efforts, the patient remained unresponsive. The team continued to work tirelessly, cycling through CPR and AED shocks while awaiting advanced medical intervention.
When Stony Brook Medic 45 arrived, paramedics provided the critical advanced life support measures needed to bring the patient back from the brink of death. After what felt like an eternity, the victim’s pulse was finally restored, marking a turning point in the rescue effort.
With the patient’s heartbeat stabilized, first responders transported them to Stony Brook University Hospital, where doctors confirmed they had a viable rhythm upon arrival.
While details about the patient’s identity remain private, what’s clear is that without the swift, coordinated actions of these firefighters, EMTs, and paramedics, the outcome could have been far worse.
This was not just another emergency call, but a race against time. The Nesconset Fire Department responded with professionalism, teamwork, and unwavering dedication. Nearly a year after that fateful day, the first responders who worked together to save a life were recognized at the Watermill Inn in Nesconset. During the awards ceremony, Ex-Chief Ryan Davis received special recognition for his quick thinking and immediate action, which set the life-saving response into motion. Every firefighter, EMT, and paramedic involved was honored for their role in turning a dire situation into a miraculous recovery.
The evening at the Watermill Inn was a powerful reminder of why fire departments and EMS crews are vital to Suffolk County. Their willingness to act under pressure, ability to work together seamlessly, and relentless commitment to protecting the public do not go unnoticed.
For the Nesconset Fire Department, this recognition was a moment to reflect on the hard work they put in every day.
The department, located at 25 Gibbs Pond Road, serves the Smithtown area and beyond, responding to fires, medical emergencies, and other critical situations. Their volunteers and career firefighters work tirelessly to keep Suffolk County residents safe.
While this incident ended in celebration, it was also a reminder that emergencies can happen anywhere, at any time. Thanks to the quick action of Good Samaritans like Ryan Davis and the professionalism of departments like Nesconset FD, lives were saved, and families remained whole.
For more information about the Nesconset Fire Department and its mission, visit nesconsetfd.org.
