Father-Son Firefighters Honored for Thanksgiving Day Rescue

LONGBOAT KEY — At the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department’s 6th Annual Medal Day and Pinning Ceremony, Fire Chief Paul Dezzi and his son, Ryan, were honored for their heroic actions last Thanksgiving when they saved the life of a neighbor who had suffered cardiac arrest.

The ceremony, typically dedicated to recognizing department members’ achievements and welcoming new recruits, featured a surprise presentation at the end of the awards. Assistant Chief Martin Szalbirak called Chief Dezzi forward, along with Ryan Dezzi, a firefighter for the City of North Port.

The two were presented with the Phoenix Award, a prestigious honor recognizing lifesaving efforts in cardiac arrest cases where the patient survives and is later discharged from the hospital.

The incident occurred on Thanksgiving Day in 2023. Chief Dezzi responded to an urgent call for help after a neighbor fell from a ladder and was found unconscious. Acting quickly, Dezzi retrieved a defibrillator from his department vehicle and enlisted his son’s assistance. Together, they performed CPR, used the defibrillator, and communicated with Sarasota County dispatch to ensure hospital staff were prepared.

Ryan Dezzi initiated advanced life-saving measures, and their combined efforts successfully revived the patient. Though the neighbor was still unconscious when transported to the emergency room, their intervention was critical to the victim’s survival.

The recognition was significant for Chief Dezzi, who described the experience of working alongside his son during such a critical moment as unforgettable.

The Medal Day and Pinning Ceremony not only celebrated this extraordinary act but also underscored the dedication of the Longboat Key Fire Rescue Department and its partnerships with surrounding emergency services.