The above photo depicts (left to right) Officer Alan Abrecht, Robert Fischer, and Officer Michael Hutman. 

 

On May 8, 2021, Officers Alan Abrecht and Michael Hutman responded to a Forked River residence, located in the Pheasant Run section of Lacey Township for a report of CPR in progress.  Upon arrival, officers located Robert Fischer, lying on the sidewalk in front of his home, surrounded by neighbors rendering aid to him.  Officers immediately determined that Robert did not have a pulse, and began lifesaving measures, including CPR chest compressions and the use of Automatic External Defibrillator (AED).

While the officers were performing the lifesaving measures, Robert began to exhibit agonal breathing and regained a pulse. Lacey Township EMS arrived on scene and confirmed that a pulse was detected. Lacey Township EMS, along with Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Paramedics continued lifesaving measures.  Robert began breathing on his own, and was transported to Community Medical Center (CMC). Ultimately, Robert made a full recovery, and returned home at a later date.  Last month Officers Alan Abrecht and Michael Hutman responded to Robert Fischer’s residence and welcomed him home (see above photo).

The Lacey EMS Crew who continued lifesaving efforts included Captain Ray Benedetti, Senior EMT Sean Mullaney, EMT Chad Fraser, EMT Gianna Norwood, and EMT Chelsea McCabe.

Both officers are confident that any other responding police officer would have had the same positive outcome; It was their timing, and location within close proximity to Robert’s home, which was paramount.  Officers Abrecht and Hutman have both since been awarded the Life Saving Award  by the Lacey Township Police Department for their actions.  We wish Robert well, and thank him for his continued support.

Earlier today I spoke with Robert Fischer who welcomed this story and thanked our officers for giving him a second chance at life.

The Lacey Township Police Department is extremely proud of these two officers and our local EMS for a job well done.

-Chief Michael C. DiBella