Olive Branch first responders honored for rescuing city employee

Pictured include Olive Branch Fire Lt./EMT Jeff Hawks, Driver/Paramedic Patrick Depriest, FF/EMT Will Preslar, FF/EMT Jaiden Bell, Paramedic Peyton Elkins, and Paramedic Paul Coletta, who received the Lifesaving Award. At far left is Deputy Chief Michael Hogan and at far right is Fire Chief Bill Clark. (Courtesy photo)

OLIVE BRANCH, Miss. — Six Olive Branch first responders received the Lifesaving Award during Tuesday night’s Board of Aldermen meeting for their heroic efforts in reviving a city employee who suffered two cardiac arrests.

Mayor Ken Adams and Fire Chief William Clark presented the honors to Fire Lt./EMT Jeff Hawks, Driver/Paramedic Patrick Depriest, FF/EMT Will Preslar, FF/EMT Jaiden Bell, Paramedic Peyton Elkins, and Paramedic Paul Coletta.

The recognition stems from a high-stakes emergency on Sept. 29, 2025. At approximately 8:38 a.m., members of Engine 1C and Unit 1C were dispatched to City Hall regarding an unresponsive individual. Upon arrival, crews discovered a city employee in severe medical distress.

According to department reports, the situation escalated rapidly when the patient entered respiratory failure and cardiac arrest. The team immediately initiated advanced life-saving protocols, including synchronized chest compressions and the administration of emergency medications.

The crew’s swift intervention successfully restored the patient’s heartbeat, allowing for transport to Methodist Hospital Olive Branch. However, the crisis was not over. While en route, the patient suffered a second cardiac arrest in the ambulance.

“Responders acted without hesitation,” Chief Clark noted during the presentation. The team successfully restored the patient’s cardiac activity a second time before arriving at the hospital.

The clinical skill and teamwork displayed by the personnel of Engine 1C and Unit 1C are credited with saving the employee’s life. Chief Clark stated that their actions reflect the highest standards of public service and the commitment of the Olive Branch Fire and EMS Department.