Southwick Police Chief David Ricardi, fourth from right, along with selectmen Joe Deedy, left, Tracy Cesan, center, and Russell Fox, second from right, join Southwick police officers, Michael Westcott, second from left, and David Massai, third from left, who received a “Life Saving Recognition Award”, along with Southwick residents Brad Emelmann, third from right, and Sean Langan, right, who received a “Certificate of Recognition for Outstanding Citizen” during a special award ceremony in the Southwick Town Hall last night. The four were recognized by the selectmen and police chief for their heroic actions in helping to save the life of John Grunwald who was involved in a serious accident April 1, 2014 on Mort Vining Road in Southwick. (Photo by Frederick Gore/www.thewestfieldnews.smugmug.com)
SOUTHWICK- Last night Southwick Chief Police David A. Ricardi and the Southwick Board of Selectmen honored four men with outstanding citizen and lifesaving recognition awards at a ceremony at Town Hall.
Southwick Police Officers Michael Westcott and David Massai, and Southwick citizens Sean Langan and Brad Emelmann, were awarded for their courageous act in rescuing John Grunwald in a car crash that happened this past April.
“Whenever acts like these occur we make sure to recognize them,” said Chief Ricardi.
The accident occurred Tuesday April 1 on Mort Vining Road in Southwick. Grunwald had been ejected out of his vehicle which was engulfed with flames. Sean Langan and Brad Emelmann had heard the crash and went to investigate.
JOHN GRUNWALD
“After a loud bang I saw a fire outside. I couldn’t see in the vehicle and looked into the woods and saw John pushed up against a tree with his neck bent forward,” said Langan. “Then I went screaming for Brad that we needed help”.
Langan and Emelmann moved Grunwald away from the car and attended to his injuries until first responders arrived.
“I was afraid to pick him up,” said Langan. “We didn’t know what condition he was in”.
It’s not recommended to move a victim if there is a suspected back or neck injury, but if Langan and Emelmann hadn’t been there to help, Grunwald’s chances of survival would have been lessened. Officer Westcott and Officer Massai arrived shortly after and stabilized Grunwald until the medical staff and firefighters came.
These four men played an intricate part in saving Grunwald’s life. They went above and beyond in this grave situation.
“I have a lot of appreciation and respect for emergency medical services,” said Langan. “It takes a special person. I couldn’t do it on a daily basis”.
Grunwald had been unconscious the entire time and didn’t remember anything of the incident. He survived all his injuries, but it was touch and go.
“I wanted to meet the people who saved me,” he said. “Without them I wouldn’t be standing here”.
