Newton Firefighters and Police Officers Honored for Life-Saving Response

Newton Police Department Officers Ryan Zylstra and Braydon Chance were the first to arrive on scene. They immediately began CPR and used an automated external defibrillator (AED) to assist the patient before fire and EMS personnel arrived. Upon arrival, Firefighters Trent Baker, Joe Crum, Chad Ray, and Kyle Letendre assumed patient care and continued advanced life support, including defibrillation.

Their combined efforts resulted in the patient regaining spontaneous breathing and consciousness at the scene. A Newton resident was then transported for specialized cardiac treatment, where physicians identified and successfully treated a 100% blockage in a coronary artery. The patient was discharged from the hospital after several days of recovery.

The Life Save Award is among the highest recognition presented by the Newton Fire Department. The Commendation Letters issued to Officers Zylstra and Chance recognize their critical role in the successful outcome. Together, the responding officers and firefighters demonstrated the kind of skill, coordination, and dedication that can mean the difference between life and death for a member of the Newton community.