Quick actions by Cinnaminson firefighter Brian Cooke and Cinnaminson EMTs Nicole Daly and Jaskiran Mangat recently saved the life of a township man.
The Board of Fire Commissioners issued each of the three a top fire department award at a Jan. 27 meeting.
“It’s a rare individual whose actions result in the saving of another human being’s life,” the department said in a post. “It is therefore befitting that the above-mentioned individuals be awarded the Cinnaminson Fire Department EMS Lifesaving Award.”
It was on Oct. 10 that firefighters and the Virtua MICU (Mobile Intensive Care) Unit were dispatched to the intersection of Route 130 and Highland Avenue for a cardiac arrest. They found the male in distress lying in the roadway, and a bystander providing manual chest compressions.
The responders immediately assumed lifesaving efforts using Automated External Defibrillator and Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR). The man was revived and transported to a hospital for further treatment, and the responders’ actions resulted in him being discharged just a few days later, officials said.
The department’s social media post on the awards garnered a number of positive reactions and comments.
“Thank you, each (one) of you first responders,” one commenter posted. “Congrats.”
In other news, Police Capt. Roy Wagner completed his final radio signoff on Jan. 29, surrounded by his family; friends; township leadership; community members; retired and current township officers; and representatives of neighboring law-enforcement agencies.
“It was a powerful and fitting sendoff for someone who has given so much to this profession and this community, and a true testament to how sorely he will be missed,” the department posted on social media.
Wagner grew up in Cinnaminson and his commitment to service began early. In 1998, he started his law-enforcement career as an SLEO (Special Law Enforcement Officer) II with the Wildwood police, after graduating from the Cape May County Police Academy. He later served as a sheriff’s officer in Burlington County, and graduated from the county police academy, where he earned both the director’s and academic awards.
Wagner joined the Cinnaminson department in 2002 as a patrol officer. Over the years, he served in numerous roles, including evidence technician, field training officer, firearms and taser instructor, and firearms armorer. His leadership and integrity led to his promotion to patrol sergeant in 2017, his award noted, followed by detective sergeant; lieutenant; and ultimately captain, where he oversaw internal affairs.
“After 26 years of dedicated service, Wagner is retiring, having honorably served his department and the residents of Cinnaminson,” the police department noted in a statement. “His impact on this organization, the officers he mentored, and the community he protected will be felt for years to come.
“Thank you, Capt. Wagner, for your leadership, your service and your commitment to doing the job the right way,” it added. “Congratulations on a well-earned retirement and best wishes as you begin this next chapter.”
