First responders recognized at Maryville Board Meeting

Chief Dankenbring, left, presented a special certificate to Melinda Engeling for her quick action during her husband’s medical emergency. (Kathy Turner photo)

Captions: Gary Engeling was surrounded by family and first responders at the Maryville Board meeting where responders were recognized for response to his medical emergency. (Kathy Turner photo)

By Kathy Turner

A number of first responders were recognized by Fire Chief Doug Dankenbring at the July 16 meeting of the Maryville Village Board. Those recognized were the first to respond to a medical emergency in the village in March.

The call came in as a male unresponsive. Firefighters, paramedics, EMTs and police officers were sent to the home of Gary and Melinda Engeling. Once there, they found Gary in full cardiac arrest. 

They began lifesaving methods immediately and were able to bring Gary back before transporting him to a medical facility. Gary spent 70 days in the hospital but is now home with his family and continuing his recuperation.

Gary, his wife Melinda, and their daughters were in attendance as Chief Dankenbring presented certificates to those who were among those first caring for Gary. They included: Lt. T.J. Aldridge, firefighter Andrew Hylton, firefighter Jackson Stenger, police officer Keith Hopke, firefighter Gavin Menk, firefighter Dawsen Winkleman, police officer Alex Reish, Lt. Brandon Freker, Asst. Fire Chief Greg Peck, Fire Capt. Shane Fulton and firefighter Leslie Rivera. 

Dankenbring also presented a certificate to Melinda, Gary’s wife, who did everything right immediately to get Gary the help he needed. He recognized her as the first and most important first responder.