Sioux Falls Fire Rescue Saves A Former Team Member

by Angela Schilling, Meteorologist
February 22, 2012 10:05 PM


For Tom O’Hara of Sioux Falls, the words thank you could not be said enough.

"Had I lived outside of city limits and in a rural area or a small town I simply would not have survived,” said O’Hara.

This past December Tom was watching television when suddenly he felt a pain in his chest. He was going into cardiac arrest, and luckily Sioux Falls Fire Rescue was able to give their former team member the medical attention he needed.

"These guys are the ones that came in did all the work I tell people I just laid there and they did all the work,” said O’Hara.

A couple months later and now Tom is returning the favor, by celebrating both his life and thanking the men and women who saved him. Early Wednesday morning each rescuer received a pin and certificate, handed out by Tom himself.  Andy Wall has been on the job for around a year now and this marks his third save.

"Actually get the chance to meet Tom, see the family, and a positive outcome means a lot especially when you're new,” said Wall.

Jim Powers has been on the job for over 20 years.

"Each time does give you the same reaction, it's a special feeling to know you have a positive impact on somebody's life,” said Powers.

Some would call them heroes.  Bonnie is Tom's wife.

"It's a little unnerving to have people that you've known for years walking in the door helping save a guys life, its amazing and wonderful,” said Mrs. O’Hara.

But ask the rescuers themselves, and they would say they're just doing their jobs saving the lives of those who depend on them.