Senator Fred Akshar (R-52) was joined by Binghamton Mayor Rich David and officials from the Binghamton Police Department and the Sheriff\u2019s Offices from both Broome and Tioga Counties to recognize four individuals for their quick action in saving the life of a fellow law enforcement officer last year.<\/p>\n
Detective J. Matthew Barcak, and civilian Erika Harder of Broome County Sheriff\u2019s Office, Deputy David Schoonover of the Tioga County Sheriff\u2019s Office, and Sergeant Dennis Pavelski of the Binghamton Police Department (BPD) were instrumental in saving the life of BPD officer Brad Kaczynski on Sept. 9, 2019.<\/p>\n
That day, Barcak, Schoonover and Pavelski were working as instructors on the property of the old Binghamton Psychiatric Hospital for the Officer Survival portion of the Zone 6 Police Academy recruit training. As the instructors were finishing the day\u2019s training and preparing for the following day, B.P.D Officer Brad Kaczynski began to exhibit signs of a medical emergency, including light-headedness and disorientation.<\/p>\n
Detective Barcak immediately called 911, and instructed Broome County Sherriff’s office civilian employee, ErikaHarder, to search Kaczynski’s car for evidence of a pre-existing medical condition. Shortly thereafter, Officer Kaczynski’s breath became shallow and he lost consciousness. Fortunately, Kaczynski briefly regained consciousness long enough to mumble the words “bee sting” before appearing to go into shock.<\/p>\n
The instructors leapt into action and quickly loaded Officer Kaczynski into Detective Barcak\u2019s vehicle and swiftly drove him down the hill to the to meet with emergency medical personnel, but during the short drive, Kaczynski stopped breathing. <\/p>\n
Upon reaching the bottom of the hill, Detective Barcak provided rescue breaths and CPR until emergency medical personnel arrived. Officer Kaczynski remained hospitalized and in serious condition for several days before eventually turning the corner and making a full recovery. <\/p>\n
\u201cIf it hadn\u2019t been for the quick thinking and astute actions of Detective Barcak, Deputy Schoonover, Sergeant Pavelski and Ms. Harder, Officer Kaczynski might not be here today,\u201d said Senator Fred Akshar. \u201cThey displayed courage and calm under pressure, and were instrumental in saving a young officer\u2019s life. On behalf of the 52nd Senate District, I couldn\u2019t be prouder to have individuals of their caliber keeping our communities safe, and on behalf of Officer Kacynski\u2019s family and friends, I say thank you.\u201d <\/p>\n
\u201cI know you would have done this for anyone, but I\u2019m so fortunate that you were there for me that day,\u201d said Officer Brad Kaczynski during the ceremony. \u201cThere\u2019s no doubt in my mind that I wouldn\u2019t be here today if it weren\u2019t for the four of you. On behalf of my wife and my three children, thank you for everything you\u2019ve done for us, not just on that day but in the weeks and months that followed.\u201d <\/p>\n
Earlier this year, Senator Akshar authored and passed a Senate Resolution (J.3181) honoring Detective Barcak, Deputy Schoonover, Sergeant Pavelski and Ms. Harder. During the recent ceremony, he presented them each with framed copies of the resolution and the New York State Liberty Award Medal, the highest honor bestowed by the New York State Senate.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Senator Fred Akshar (R-52) was joined by Binghamton Mayor Rich David and officials from the Binghamton Police Department and the Sheriff\u2019s Offices from both Broome…<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":5,"featured_media":82196,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"ngg_post_thumbnail":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[6],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-82195","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-news"],"yoast_head":"\n