Tom McCabe recognized emergency at ball game
By Barb Pert Templeton
Members of the Algonac Board of Education took time out at a recent meeting to honor Algonac Fire Department Captain Tom McCabe for an incident during a sporting event at Algonac High School.
At a Feb. 26 meeting Superintendent Alan Latosz said the episode occurred on Jan. 4 when Algonac was hosting the Armada JV Basketball team. Latosz said he asked Algonac’s Athletic Director, Mitchell Landrum, to put together a note with a rundown of what occurred.
Latosz then read the note into the record at the Algonac Board of Education meeting.
He said McCabe, who was a spectator at the event, noticed a student seated on the bench for the Armada team was in distress and stepped in to render aid.
McCabe had noticed the player was experiencing breathing issues so he quickly went across the floor and moved the student to a commons area. McCabe checked the boy’s pulse and heart rate and noticing an emergency situation arising, radioed for an ambulance.
Tom McCabe and Algonac Community Schools Superintendent Alan Latosz pose for a quick photo on Feb. 26 after a brief presentation honoring McCabe
Next, he moved the young man to the cafeteria and sat him up while awaiting the arrival of medics.
“Mr. McCabe kept his composure and made a serious situation seem routine which was certainly a relief to the young man’s family,” Latosz read.
Once medics arrived McCabe informed them of all the symptoms and gave a very detailed description of what was happening and it was clear every second mattered and McCabe made all of them count, Latosz said.
The school district also got a letter from the student’s mother thanking everyone involved for all their help on behalf of her son. She also provided on update on her son and how he was doing.
“I know this gives me as a parent and administrator and community member, well it certainly gives me a great deal of peace of mind to have people like Tom in our presence,” Latosz said.
“And I certainly appreciate you on behalf of Algonac Schools and want to make sure we appreciated you tonight.”
McCabe was then presented with a certificate of appreciation as the audience erupted in applause. He then made his way along the board table shaking hands with members of the board of education.
Tom McCabe made the rounds and shook hands with each member of the Algonac Board of Education after receiving a certificate of appreciation from the district.
A post on the Facebook page for Algonac Community Schools noting the events, including the incident and the school board recognition for McCabe, stated that he was a “good Samaritan” who’s EMT skills prompted his recognition of the student in need of some assistance.
The post also noted that his actions were life saving for that student and read, “Thank you, Mr. McCabe, for stepping in to help. We were lucky to have such a quick-thinking and kind-hearted person in the stands.”
The post on the school page garnered a dozen comments praising McCabe’s efforts including one from former Algonac Mayor Terry Stoneburner who wrote, “We are incredibly fortunate to have you in our community. Thank You Tom.”
The post was then shared on the City of Algonac Fire Department page where Councilwoman Cathy Harris commented, “Congratulations. Awesome job. We are happy to have you in the Algonac Fire Department.”
