OCALA, FL (352 Today) Four Ocala residents were honored by Ocala Fire Rescue at tonight’s city council meeting with a life-saving commendation for their heroic actions during a recent medical emergency.
On June 23, 2025, Mike Crimi, Tom Culpepper, Katie Freeman, and Rafael Rosa witnessed a person collapse from sudden cardiac arrest at a local fitness center. Without hesitation, the group sprang into action—retrieving an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), waiting for the device to analyze the victim’s condition, and administering Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) as instructed.
Ocala Fire Rescue credited the quick and coordinated actions of the bystanders with delivering life-saving care before emergency crews could reach the scene. Their immediate response played a vital role in the victim’s survival and underscored how critical fast intervention can be during what professionals refer to as “the golden hour.”
The four individuals showed exceptional presence of mind and courage in a high-stress situation. Their ability to act without hesitation reflected the core qualities of an effective first responder and served as a powerful reminder of the impact ordinary citizens can have in emergencies.
The commendation serves as a reminder of the value of community CPR training and AED access. As Ocala grows, local fire officials continue to emphasize public education on how to respond to cardiac emergencies.
Why This Matters:
- Cardiac arrest survival drops 10% for every minute CPR isn’t started.
- Bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chances of survival.
- Having AEDs available in public spaces is a proven life-saver.
Last night’s recognition wasn’t just about four individuals–it was about the community stepping up when it mattered most.