The Evanston Fire Department recognized Keaira Thomas (right) and Latoya Newman (second from right) at an awards ceremony last month for their quick action in calling 911 and remaining with a man who had collapsed in Brummel Park.
In presenting the award, Fire Chief Alan Berkowsky (left) said the two girls were at Brummel Park when a man collapsed while walking his dog there. The girls went up to the man to ask if he was okay, but he was unresponsive. He continued, “Keaira and Latoya stayed calm and reacted in a very responsible manner. Keaira used Latoya’s cell phone to call 911 and relayed the critical information to the 911 Telecommunicator. The Fire Department paramedics arrived, rendered medical treatment and transported the patient to St. Francis Hospital.
“Keaira and Latoya’s unselfish act of getting involved and remaining calm in this situation aided the Fire Department’s paramedics in knowing exactly what they had to deal with upon arrival.”
The girls received a standing ovation from the City Council as well as the audience and family members. “It is important for the community of Evanston to recognize our young adults when individuals such as Keaira Thomas and Latoya Newman take the appropriate actions to help another person in need,” Chief Berkowsky said. Eighth Ward Alderman Ann Rainey is at the lectern.
Photo courtesy of City of Evanston