Town of Oyster Bay Supervisor Joseph Saladino joined with parks officials and members of the TOBAY Lifeguarding Team in honoring extraordinary individuals who helped save the life of one of their own at the end of last summer.

 

Near the end of the 2018 season, Lieutenant Lifeguard Thomas Nordland collapsed in the shower after a tough training swim, and subsequently went into cardiac arrest. After realizing their colleague had fallen and was in serious need of medical attention, Assistant Lifeguard Captain William Arnold, Senior Lieutenant Lifeguard Chuck Pulsinelli, EMT/Lieutenant Lifeguard Michael Greco and EMT Evan Schatzburgh, sprang into action, assessed the situation, and began CPR and administered the AED.

 

“We take great pride in recognizing the outstanding and lifesaving actions of our Town personnel, especially during the summer months when our lifeguards, EMTs and other First Responders are often called into action,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Thankfully, and primarily due to the combined efforts and quick and skillful actions of his rescuers, a normal pulse was established for Tom after a short time.”

 

The Supervisor recognized all involved in saving Lieutenant Lifeguard Norland’s life, including Assistant Lifeguard Captain Billy Arnold, Lieutenant Lifeguard Chuck Pulsinelli, EMT/Lieutenant Lifeguard Michael Greco, EMT Evan Schatzburgh, Nassau County Police Officer Jackie Thompson, and Town of Oyster Bay Beach Manager Travis McCabe.

 

“On behalf of the entire Town of Oyster Bay family, I am proud to commend these individuals for having the keen awareness and ability to act quickly, decisively and courageously when a fellow individual is in need,” Supervisor Saladino said. “Following a successful triple bypass surgery, we are thrilled that Tom was able to make a 100 percent recovery and, more fortunately for us, he has returned to lifeguarding again this season at TOBAY Beach.