HAUPPAUGE – This week marks National Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) Awareness Week, and Suffolk County Executive Ed Romaine (R-Center Moriches), along with local legislators, is helping spread an important lifesaving message. In a special gathering at the H. Lee Dennison Building, they brought together Hauppauge resident Tommy Norchi with the first responders and individuals who helped save his life after he suffered a heart attack earlier this year during a public meeting.
Carol Cherwinski, Brian Mahon, Shawn Viniotis, and two members of Executive Romaine’s staff, Mike Martino and Brian Monahan, were honored for their heroic actions and quick thinking during the emergency. Their immediate response helped save Tommy Norchi’s life, ensuring that the 69-year-old would have many more years to spend with his family and loved ones.
The heart attack happened at a public meeting, as residents were giving input on the Stump Pond Dam at the Blydenburgh County Park. Norchi delivered a powerful, impactful speech about how he wanted the dam fixed. He said afterward he suddenly felt a surge of energy throughout his body before collapsing. He later learned that six individuals from different backgrounds and walks of life immediately sprang into action, performing CPR and using an AED to restore his heartbeat.
Although Norchi has no memory of the event itself, he recalled waking up to the smiling face of one of the first responders, Shawn Viniotis, who jokingly welcomed him back “for the third time.” Norchi was transported to the hospital, where he made a remarkable recovery and was discharged just two days later.
“Angels walk amongst us every day; we just don’t see them until they’re called upon,” he said. “To my angels, you know how much you mean to me and how much I love you. Words can never express my gratitude, and I am forever grateful to call you my angels.”
Romaine praised the quick actions of the Good Samaritans who stepped in to save Tommy Norchi’s life, emphasizing that their knowledge of CPR and AED use made the difference between life and death. He thanked those involved for their heroic efforts and expressed gratitude that Norchi not only survived the medical emergency but also made a strong recovery. Romaine noted that many people who suffer similar cardiac events are not as fortunate.
Romaine said the gathering served two important purposes: to recognize and thank the individuals who saved Norchi’s life and to raise awareness about the importance of CPR and AED training. He stressed that knowing how to respond during a medical emergency can save lives and encouraged residents to learn these lifesaving skills.
Commissioner Sunderman noted that Suffolk County has more than 2,000 publicly accessible AEDs located throughout the county and that emergency dispatchers are trained to provide CPR instructions over the phone while first responders are en route. Suffolk Fire, Rescue, and Emergency Services (FRES) received approximately 10,000 heart-related emergency calls in 2025, including about 2,000 cardiac arrest cases.
To improve survival rates, Suffolk County continues to invest in CPR education for residents. According to Sunderman, 6,000 people were trained in CPR throughout 2025, and another 2,500 have already received training in 2026. Residents can contact their local fire department, EMS agency, or Suffolk FRES to learn these lifesaving skills.
Legislator Thorne stressed the importance of the “Chain of Survival,” which includes early recognition of a medical emergency, calling 911, rapid CPR, prompt AED use, and continued medical care. He noted that the county has expanded access to lifesaving resources through initiatives such as placing AEDs in houses of worship and promoting the PulsePoint app, which can notify trained users of nearby cardiac emergencies and direct them to the closest AED.
For Tommy Norchi, CPR and AED awareness is more than a public health message, it is the reason he is alive today. Officials hope his story will encourage more residents be prepared to help in an emergency, because one person’s quick action can mean another person’s second chance.
