A Second Chance and a Reunion with Lifesaving Responders

Weeks after suffering sudden cardiac arrest, Mr. Maddox walked into a room filled with people who had helped save his life. With his son beside him, he joined a ceremony recognizing Perry Fire & Emergency Services and EMS personnel with Life Save Awards.

Their story began in the early morning hours of August 5, 2026.

At approximately 3:30 a.m., a 911 call reported that Mr. Maddox was in cardiac arrest. His son began CPR, providing immediate help while emergency responders were on their way.

Perry firefighters, Austin Williams, Brian Banks, Matthew Neesmith, and Shaquille Forrester arrived at approximately 3:39 a.m. Mr. Maddox had no pulse and was not breathing. They continued high-quality CPR until EMS arrived to provide additional care.

Approximately 14 minutes after firefighters arrived, Mr. Maddox regained a pulse and began breathing on his own.

Emergency medical personnel identified signs of a major heart attack and transported him to Emory Hospital Warner Robins. The hospital team provided emergency treatment to include the placement of a stent. Ten days later, he was discharged home.

For the responders gathered at the ceremony, seeing Mr. Maddox again offered something they do not always get: the opportunity to learn what happened after an emergency call and meet the person whose life they helped save.

This time, Mr. Maddox stood alongside them and helped present their awards. His son was also recognized for the CPR he provided before firefighters arrived.

The ceremony celebrated the coordinated care that carried Mr. Maddox from a life-threatening emergency to recovery. It also gave everyone involved a chance to share a moment made possible by their actions that morning.