Four honored by sheriff for live-saving measures

By Brandi Makuski

Portage Co. Sheriff Mike Lukas honored four people on Wednesday for live-saving measures they took during separate incidents that saved two lives.

Deputy Christopher Stanton received a Life-Saving Award for his actions on Dec. 18, 2018, when he responded to the home of a man who was having a heart attack in the Town of Grant.

When Stanton arrived, he found the man’s wife performing CPR, Lukas said. Once Stanton determined the man had no pulse, he deployed an automatic external defibrillator (AED), applying several shocks before medical units arrived.

Lukas said EMTs continued life-saving measures, and eventually, the man began to breathe on his own and open his eyes.

“Deputy Stanton’s quick response and proper decision-making prevented an untimely death in our community,” Lukas said. “His actions reflect the highest of credit upon himself, the patrol section, and the entire Portage Co. Sheriff’s Office.”

Three others were given the Life Saving Award for their involvement in another incident, one Lukas referred to as “very traumatic.”

Shortly after 5:30 a.m. on June 19, Carol Grezenski called 911 to report her husband of 42 years, Alan, was pinned between a loaded chopper box and a pickup truck on the family’s Town of Sharon farm.

Carol Grezenski was able to free her husband before calling for help, Lukas said.

“She talked to our comm tech, Nicole Schlice, who calmly talked her through CPR and beginning live-saving efforts because, at that point, he had no pulse and wasn’t breathing,” Lukas said.

Deputy Connor Selvey responded to the scene and assisted until the ambulance arrived. Both performed CPR for “several minutes,” Lukas said.

Alan Grezenski suffered several fractured bones and internal injuries but is expected to make a full recovery, Lukas said.

Lukas said he plans on publicizing the meritorious awards more frequently.

“There are a lot of men and women in our community who do a lot of heroic things that go unseen, and those selfless acts should be made more public,” he said.