Howard Co. Fire, Rescue Honored By The People They Saved

MARRIOTTSVILLE, Md. (WJZ) -- Saying thank you for saving lives. Dozens from Howard County Fire and Rescue were honored Friday.

Andrea Fujii reports for the first time they got to meet some of the people they helped.

It's a job fire and rescue workers do every day, but to five Howard County residents it's a job that saved their lives.

When Elvira Washington had a heart attack, it was these personnel who brought her back to life. Now she can say thank them in person.

"Without them and the man upstairs I wouldn't be here today," said Washington.

More than 40 awards and certificates of recognition were also given out, like to Jonah Eng who helped save his mom's life . Also honored were K-9 arson dog, Mae, and the fire investigative team.

"Every day you are ready and willing to answer that alarm to make the supreme sacrifice if that is what is necessary," said Chief William Goddard, Howard County Fire and Rescue.

Ginnie Gick thanked everyone who helped her when she went into cardiac arrest and the 911 operator who helped her husband perform CPR.

"They talked him through it and he was able to do chest compressions until the ambulance got there," said Ginnie Gick.

"She walked me through CPR and said turn her over and start chest compressions," said Dan Gick, who helped save his wife.

They are paying respect to these paramedics and firefighters in Howard County and elsewhere around the country who are heroes every day.

"I just can't thank them enough," said Washington.

Because of Ginnie's story, Howard County executive Ken Ulman wants every resident to be trained in CPR.

In 2010, Howard County had 10 incidents in which EMS helped saved lives with CPR.