10/18/2026
Please join us in congratulating 23 members of Quantico Fire & Emergency Services (QFES) who were recently recognized with Lifesaving Awards and Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medals for their actions during two cardiac arrest resuscitations in 2025.
The first incident occurred on June 24, 2025, when a civilian suffered a sudden cardiac arrest. Quick-thinking U.S. Marines on break from training immediately sprang into action; retrieving a Public Access Defibrillator (PAD), calling 911, and starting CPR.
Crews from Station 531 arrived and took over care and initiated high-performance “Pit Crew” CPR. After just one round of CPR, the patient regained a pulse. Crews stabilized the patient and transported to Sentara Hospital in Woodbridge, VA, where the patient was turned over breathing on their own with a stable pulse.
Lifesaving Award Recipients:
- Captain Scott Bordner
- Captain Dave Benson
- Lieutenant Cliff Burton (Ret.)
- Sgt. Stephen Williams
- FF/Paramedic Josh Williams
- FF/Paramedic Christina Dempsey
- FF Brian Jensen
- FF Dane Iser
- FF Joe Devroy
- FF Ramon Betancourt
- FF Connor Schiro
- FF Dan Ruchka
- FF John Sharlow
The second incident occurred on December 8, 2025. Units from Station 533 were initially dispatched for a reported seizure, crews updated enroute that the patient was in cardiac arrest with CPR in progress. Truck 533 arrived first to find bystanders performing chest compressions. The crew immediately took over compressions and applied the LIFEPAK 1000 AED, successfully delivering a shock.
Upon the arrival of Medic 533, the crew transitioned the patient to the LIFEPAK 15 and coordinated Advanced Life Support (ALS) interventions, while CPR Code Management was established to ensure organized resuscitative efforts. Personnel quickly established an IV to administer lifesaving medications and placed an airway device to ensure effective ventilations.
After a total arrest time of 7 minutes and 15 seconds and three defibrillation shocks, the patient regained consciousness. Remarkably, during transport, the patient was alert, oriented, and conversing with our medic crew-and was able to provide their own medical history directly emergency department staff upon arrival at the hospital.
Lifesaving Award Recipients:
- Assistant Chief Mike Passera
- Captain Scott Bordner
- Sgt. Michael Pifer
- FF/Paramedic Ryan Bruce
- FF/Paramedic Christina Dempsey
- FF Korbin Brehm
- FF Robert Butt
- FF Mark Mitchell
- FF Josh Rivera
- FF Connor Schiro
- Fire Inspector Doyle Madden
- Fire Inspector Joey Minter
Department of the Navy Civilian Service Achievement Medal Recipients:
Captain Bordner: Awarded for his decisive leadership as CPR Code Manager, delivering authoritative direction in rhythm analysis, pharmacological interventions, and total medical management. His proactive dedication to training crews in high-performance CPR and the Handtevy application fostered a cutler of emergency readiness that directly saved lives.
Assistant Chief DeBord: Awarded for his dedication to the installation’s Public Access Defibrillator Program (PAD) since 2014. His oversight ensures that every public access defibrillator across the installation is fully operational and ready for immediate use in the event of a cardiac emergency.
The actions of all personnel involved in these incidents exemplify the highest standards of our profession, and reflect great credit upon themselves and Quantico Fire & Emergency Services.
