Council honors local hero for life-saving CPR act

In a recent government meeting, the Jacksonville City Council discussed a resolution to honor local hero, Mister Thompson, by renaming a JEA road in his honor. The initiative was presented by Council Member Gay, with representatives from JEA, Shea Hill and Cheryl Mott, sharing the inspiring story behind the recognition.

The narrative centered around a pivotal moment in 1967 when Thompson performed CPR on a colleague, Mister Champion, during a life-threatening incident. This act of bravery was captured in a photograph by journalist Rocco Marabito, which later won a Pulitzer Prize and became known as \"the kiss of life.\" The image serves as a reminder of the importance of safety procedures and training within the JEA, where it is prominently displayed.

Council Member Carlucci expressed gratitude for the resolution, noting the significance of honoring Thompson while he is still alive, a rare exception to the city’s usual practice of posthumous recognitions. He also suggested the creation of a historic marker to further commemorate the event and its impact on the community.

Mayor Delaney voiced support for the resolution, commending Thompson and all JEA employees for their heroic efforts. The council unanimously moved to record their votes in favor of the measure, solidifying Thompson's legacy as a symbol of courage and community spirit.