(MINEOLA, N.Y.) – During the Monday, Oct. 26 presentation of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association (PBA) and Superior Officers Association’s (SOA) October Top Cops honorees, members of the Nassau County Legislature’s Democratic Minority delegation saluted Nassau County Police Department Officers Brian Sujka and Sergeant Frederick Trifano for their heroic efforts to save the life of a soccer referee after he collapsed while officiating a Sept. 19 game at Smithtown High School East.
Both officers – who were off duty at the time and watching their children’s soccer game, rushed to his aid and quickly determined that he was unconscious and not breathing.
Sergeant Trifano immediately located an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) and applied the pads to the referee. Meanwhile, Police Officer Sujka worked to maintain the referee's airway as responding EMTs began chest compressions. When prompted by the AED, Sergeant Trifano administered a lifesaving shock. Moments later, the referee began breathing on his own and soon regained consciousness. Shortly after he was transported to a nearby hospital for further treatment and evaluation.
Minority Caucus members lauded the officers for their selfless service and highlighted the need for AEDs to be available in as many public spaces as possible – especially those operated by the County.
“Thank God you’re okay – it’s really a lesson for our children, that they saw you jump into action,” Minority Leader Delia DeRiggi-Whitton (D – Glen Cove) said. “I, as a regular citizen, have had to use CPR three times – it’s all something we should all be trained in, and we need the equipment. We had a piece of legislation that I would love to have a public hearing on – it would require for AED machines to be at every single County facility and every park. It’s something that can make a difference between life and death, and this story is another example of how badly this piece of legislation needs a hearing.”
“How about EPI pens as well?” Superior Officers Association President Ricky Frassetti replied. The Minority Caucus previously sponsored legislation that would require all police cars to be equipped with the emergency remedy for allergic reactions.
“I’m good with the EPI pens – and as the mother of a diabetic, I think Glucagon is a good idea,” Minority Leader DeRiggi-Whitton added.
“This is an incredible testament to the fantastic training that each and every NCPD officer receives, but also a testament to the character, your character as people who are willing to spring into action when you are off duty,” Alternate Deputy Minority Leader Debra Mulé (D – Freeport) said. “A law like this should not be held up because the Minority Caucus put it forward - this is something that we all need to support because I thought about what would have happened if that equipment hadn’t been available. It was available because it was mandated in schools, and we need to afford NC citizens the same protection.”
PHOTO CREDIT – Photo by Peter M. Budraitis