Gainesville Fire Department personnel were recognized this week for saving a man’s life following a cardiac arrest call last fall.
Lt. Cody Tucker, Sgt. Ryan Deaton and firefighters Josh Viveros and Jack Wiley received the department’s 2025 Lifesaving Award during the Gainesville City Council meeting Tuesday, Feb. 17.
The award recognizes personnel whose knowledge, training and swift actions during incidents over the past year enabled someone to survive what otherwise could have been a tragic event.
The four firefighters, assigned to Station 4, responded to a cardiac arrest call on Sept. 19, 2025. When they arrived, they found a man unresponsive on his bedroom floor.
“After quick actions and coordination with the incoming ambulance, the patient regained a pulse on scene and was transported to Northeast Georgia Medical Center for further treatment,” Gainesville Fire Chief Brandon Ellis said. “The patient was able to make a full recovery and leave the hospital a week later.”
The firefighters were honored before the public, their peers and city leaders during the council’s regular meeting in the municipal courtroom at the Roy Franklin Hooper Jr. Public Safety Building.
Ellis praised the crew’s teamwork and professionalism, crediting their rapid response and coordination with emergency medical personnel for the positive outcome.
Mayor Zack Thompson joined Ellis in recognizing the firefighters during the ceremony.
The Lifesaving Award highlights the department’s commitment to training and preparedness in critical emergencies, city officials said.
