Accolades for Staff, First Responders Who Aided Middletown Teacher

The Middletown school staff and first responders who came to the aid of a teacher who collapsed last month were honored by the Board of Education for their heroic efforts.

Nick Catania, a High School South physical education teacher and Point Pleasant Beach High School boys basketball coach collapsed at Tindall Park on Oct. 14 during a district-wide health and physical education professional development activity.

“Our instructional staff responded immediately and quickly provided life support until the police and EMT’s arrived,” reads a district document honoring those who helped save the teacher. “Their quick, professional response helped save the life of their colleague. We are honored to work with such dedicated professionals.”

Middletown First Aid spokesman Bob Pfleger said at the time of the incident that CPR was in progress when emergency services arrived.

Middletown Police Patrolman Thomas Hughes, who was among those honored Tuesday, operated a defibrillator, according to Detective Lt. Stephen Dollinger.

Catania was taken to the Riverview Medical Center in Red Bank. He later told the Asbury Park Press that he suffered from a heart arrhythmia and underwent corrective surgery.

Among the school staff recognized were: Michele Molinaro, Kara Nolan, Casey Burdge, Eileen Gavin, Jeannie Trotta, Jennifer Cimmino, Bernadette Dean, Kathleen DeSpirto, Peggy Mack, Lisa Smith, John Bogosian, Liz Keene, Donna Bower, Al Bigos, John Maguire, Rod Murchie, Neil Leone, and Victa McKenzie.

The first responders recognized were: Craig Schwartz of the Port Monmouth First Aid Squad, Scott Lorenson of the Leonardo First Aid and Rescue Squad, Michele Jones of Lincroft First Aid and Rescue, and MONOC paramedics Jennifer Huber, Tim Sullivan and Jeremy Hoffman.

“On behalf of our entire school community, we are grateful for their assistance and applaud their heroic efforts,” the school honor reads.