POTTSTOWN >> Members of the Pottstown Police Department began 2017 with a promotion and two awards for reviving a man who had stopped breathing and had no pulse.
The lifesaving incident occurred on Nov. 12 when Officer Zachary Robinson arrived at 331 N. Hanover St. to find George Weller collapsed half-in and half-out of the door of Apartment 29.
Weller was blue, not breathing and had no pulse.
Robinson immediately began providing oxygen and chest compression, but because of where the victim was located, had to stand over him, straddling him in the doorway.
When Cpl. Steve Morrisey arrived, and saw Robinson was tiring, he stepped in and relieved him until medical help arrived.
They were later informed Weller had regained a pulse, due in part to their efforts.
Police Chief Richard Drumheller said both officers’ uniforms will now bear a badge indicating they have saved a life, although Morrisey’s will have a star in the center because it is the second time he has performed that service.
Officer Todd Istenes, on the other hand, was on hand Wednesday to receive a different change to his uniform – some stripes on his sleeve – specifically, to be promoted to corporal.
“When you’re the chief of police, you’re afforded the luxury of watching your officers grow up,” Drumheller said as Istenes stood next to him.
“I’ve watched Todd’s career from the very beginning. I’ve watched his dreams and desires, his goals and his meticulous work,” said Drumheller.
As the newest member of the command staff, “I have to tell you, your world will change,” Drumheller told Istenes.
“There will those who respect you, those who put themselves out, and there will be those who test you,” said Drumheller. “Do well, just maintain what you’ve been doing your whole career, and you’ll do a fine job.”
Both occasions merited a standing ovation from borough council and from the audience at the meeting.
This article first appeared as a post in The Digital Notebook blog.
