City honors team behind life-saving response at local gym; patient left hospital without deficits

Mayor Eric Van Hook opened the May 18 council meeting and introduced a life‑saving recognition presented by Chief Jeremy Sherman.

Chief Sherman described a Feb. 25, 2026 cardiac arrest during a local fitness class and credited the “chain of survival,” calling out MCOM telecommunicators Peyton Bell, James Warren and Terresa Lambert for dispatch and on‑scene guidance; trainer Grant Stark and two CPR‑certified bystanders for immediate CPR and AED use; and paramedics Chase McDaniel, Richard Palmer, Donovan Nap and EMT Luke McMmin for patient care and transport. Sherman said, “The fact that this patient walked out of the hospital 5 days later with no neurological or physical defects is remarkable.”

Sherman framed the outcome as the result of coordinated protocol and community training, saying the event “demonstrates exactly why the chain of survival is so important.” The patient was transported to St. Elizabeth's Hospital in O'Fallon. The recognition was presented during the opening of National EMS Week and drew applause from council and attendees.

The council did not take action on this agenda item; the presentation recognized personnel and volunteers and promoted upcoming EMS outreach events announced later in the meeting.