Man saves co-worker's life

FREMONT — A Fremont parks worker is being lauded as a hero after saving a co-worker's life in December. Jonathan Szymanowski and Ronald Durnwald have worked together in the city's parks department for about three years. Durnwald, 63, has played the role of mentor to Szymanowski. On Dec. 11, Durnwald was driving, and Szymanowski was the passenger in a city truck as Durnwald was backing into a storage area at the parks department. "As he was backing up, he got to a spot where he usually lets me out, and I see that he's not acting normal and starting to go out of consciousness," Szymanowski said. Szymanowski was able to put the truck in park and started asking his co-worker questions, but Durnwald was unresponsive. At that point, Szymanowski called 911 and let dispatchers know that Durnwald was having a heart attack. Szymanowski said a dispatcher told him he needed to pull Durnwald from the truck and begin performing CPR. First responders from Fremont's fire department and Sandusky County EMS arrived in less than six minutes, Szymanowski said. "It was a rollercoaster of emotions, but everyone acted very promptly," Szymanowski said. He is thankful for everyone who attended Fremont's Thursday night council meeting, where city officials recognized him for his actions. But he noted that saving Durnwald's life was a team effort. When asked why he was able to remain calm and act quickly, Szymanowski said there was divine power at work. "I was praying over Ron while doing CPR," Szymanowski said. "I'm a big believer in faith. God gave him a second chance, obviously." Szymanowski said he received CPR training through the city just a few months prior to the December incident. He credited Fremont assistant fire Chief Dean Schneider for teaching the class. Szymanowski honored at meeting During Thursday's council meeting, Mayor Danny Sanchez gave Durnwald a plaque and asked him to present it to Szymanowski, recognizing his lifesaving measures. Sanchez is no stranger to lifesaving events. He was arriving at Mohawk High School in Sycamore, Ohio on Feb. 2 to referee when he saw a group of people gathered around a man who was lying near a snow pile. Sanchez ran from his car, called 911 and began CPR on the man. An athletic trainer soon came outside to help and another person was sent into the gym to get an automated external defibrillator. With the team effort, the man was revived. Durnwald said he and Szymanowski left the street department to bring items back to the parks department, something he said they have done many times. Once back at the parks department, Durnwald said he began backing up and doesn't remember anything after that. Durnwald said Schneider told him that only 1% of people who go through what he experienced make it. Fremont parks superintendent Steve Stotz said Durnwald was taken directly to a Toledo hospital via ground ambulance. Stotz said Durnwald was conscious and talking while in the ambulance and credited the actions of Szymanowski, as well as fire and EMS personnel, as reasons that Durnwald was alive and well today. "If it wasn't for (Szymanowski) knowing what he was doing, I wouldn't be here," Durnwald said. "He's always like my son anyway, but he's more of my son now. And my son knows he's my son. I love that kid so much." Durnwald said not only is it important to get CPR training, but to practice frequently. The fact that the lifesaving event took place about two weeks before Christmas made the holiday season extra sweet for Durnwald. Because of Szymanowski's actions, Durnwald was able to see his mother turn 90 years old. He said many family members who do not normally come to town for Christmas made the trip this year. Durnwald, who has a defibrillator implanted in his shoulder, said after 17 years with the city that he plans to retire soon. Fremont regularly trains employees in the use of CPR. Schneider said the city is getting quotes for automated external defibrillators — often shortened to AED — so that every department can have one. AEDs monitor heart rhythms and provide an electrical shock if needed.