A Bicyclist Suffered Heart Attack Riding Along Route 70; Quick Emergency Response Saves His Life

TOMS RIVER, NJ — Toms River officials honored a dispatcher and crew of Pleasant Plains firefighters who saved the life of a man who had suffered a heart attack while riding his bicycle.

The incident happened July 8, according to the resolution read by Councilman Jim Quinlisk at the Nov. 12 Toms River Council meeting.

The crew of Pleasant Plains Engine 3043 was returning to the firehouse following a fire call in Homestead Run when Toms River dispatcher Michael Cocco received a report of a CPR emergency nearby and contacted the Pleasant Plains crew, who went straight to the scene at Whitesville Road and Route 70, according to the resolution.

Firefighters Thomas Pullaro, Charlie Bauer, Dylan Batzel, and David Lentchner got to the scene and found the man, who had been riding a bicycle, on the ground and apparently suffering from cardiac arrest.

Pullaro, who was the lead firefighter, and Bauer began CPR on the man and Batzel intervened with a defibrillator, which Batzel and Lechner used and successfully restored the man's heartbeat, then kept him stable until medical support arrived, according to the resolution.

The man survived and is home and recovering, Quinlisk said.

Pullaro, Bauer, Batzel and Lechner received life-saving awards and a unit citaton, while Cocco was presented a heroism award "for his critical role in ensuring the swift and effective emergency response," Quinlisk said.

"These guys are my heroes," said Quinlisk, whom Council President Justin Lamb asked to present the award because Quinlisk is a decorated firefighter and part of the Pleasant Plains company. "Every one of the guys in this room today who volunteer at the fire department, not just Pleasant Plains, Silverton to downtown, east, even on the beach, these guys are heroes."

"They don't get enough credit for what they do," Quinlisk said. "These are the guys that get up at 2 o'clock in the morning because you guys have a fire because somebody has a fire alarm going off or because somebody's loved one got in a car accident. And they do it without pay and they do it all the time."

From Nov. 1, 2024 through Oct. 31, 2025, the Pleasant Plains Fire Department answered 884 calls, including 405 fire alarm activations, 137 structure fire reports, 78 incidents with carbon monoxide alarms, 65 reports of brush/odor/smoke, 61 natural gas leaks, and 30 vehicle fires. They also assisted with 47 motor vehicle crashes and extrications, 10 medevac calls, 29 calls to assist with hazardous conditions, and 15 incidents with utility poles or wires down.

"Beyond these emergency responses, our volunteer members dedicate weekly hours to training, maintain proficiency in all areas of fire and rescue operations, and devote countless hours to community and public-service activities throughout the year," the fire company said in a recent social media post. "Thank you to every member who responded to these calls, and thank you to our community for your continued support!"

The company's semiannual pancake breakfast is Sunday. See the details below: