Lacey Police Officers Presented With ‘Life Saving Award’

LACEY, NJ — Two Lacey Township police officers have been presented with a "Life Saving Award" for their actions in reviving a township resident.

On May 8, officers Alan Abrecht and Michael Hutman responded to a Forked River home in the Pheasant Run section of Lacey Township, said Police Chief Michael DiBella in a statement.

When the two officers arrived, Robert Fischer was lying on the sidewalk in front of his home, surrounded by neighbors rendering aid to him.

Abrecht and Hutman immediately determined that Fischer did not have a pulse, and began lifesaving measures, including CPR chest compressions and the use of an AED.

While the officers were performing the lifesaving measures, Fischer began to exhibit agonal breathing and regained a pulse.

Lacey Township EMS arrived on scene and confirmed that a pulse was detected. Lacey Township EMS, along with Robert Wood Johnson (RWJ) Paramedics continued lifesaving measures until Fischer began breathing on his own.

He was taken to Community Medical Center where he made a full recovery. He returned home at a later date, according to DiBella.

The Lacey EMS crew who continued lifesaving efforts included Captain Ray Benedetti, Senior EMT Sean Mullaney, EMT Chad Fraser, EMT Gianna Norwood and EMT Chelsea McCabe.

Last month, Abrecht and Hutman visited Fischer to welcome him home.

Both officers have since been presented with a “Life Saving Award” by the Lacey Township Police Department for their actions.

“Both officers are confident that any other responding police officer would have had the same positive outcome; It was their timing, and location within close proximity to Robert’s home, which was paramount,” DiBella said. “We wish Robert well, and thank him for his continued support.”

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