O’Fallon police officers recognized for bringing Swansea man back to life

Matthew Burke of Swansea was brought back to life by O’Fallon police officers and paramedics after suffering cardiac arrest while driving along U.S. near Old Collinsville Road nearly two months ago.

During the O’Fallon City Council meeting Monday, Burke and his wife Tiffany were able to thank those responsible for saving his life during an emotional ceremony.

“The training that they go through day in and day out, they showed it. It’s wonderful. I got a second chance, and I appreciate it. Thank you so much,” Burke said.

Public Safety Director Kirk Brueggeman recognized members of his team for their efforts, honoring police officers and paramedics with Lifesaving Awards and telecommunicators with Chief’s Commendations.

Burke and his wife shook each honorees’ hands and hugged them, too. “These amazing individuals did what they are trained to do,” he said.

The Aug. 17 ordeal was captured by body cam footage.

The video was shown at the meeting on Monday. One officer said Burke “was in bad shape,” for he was not breathing and unconscious in his vehicle.

“It was really special to have the Burkes present so they could meet the telecommunicators, officers and paramedics who made this all possible, and their family and friends were in the audience,” Brueggeman said.

Good Samaritans had called 911 to report the medical emergency. Some citizens took immediate and decisive action, he said.

One happened to be an off-duty police officer, Gavin Gonzalez, who used a rock he was given to break the truck’s window so they could pull Burke out and start CPR.

“You couldn’t get better timing,” Gonzalez said. “I was in the exact right place at the right time.”

Within minutes, O’Fallon police officers and O’Fallon EMS arrived on scene and took over life saving measures, Brueggeman reported. He wanted to mention all the people who helped before the team arrived.

“We were unable to identify all the citizens who made the choice to help someone in need. They saved a life today,” he said on Aug. 17.

The 9-1-1 team on hand included: Will Carter, Tim McClain, Ryan Hodge, Brad Lewis, Gavin Gonzalez, Scott Votrain and Grace Nikolaisen, with Donovan Knapp unavailable. Telecommunicators included Brian Bauer, Michelle Foster and Kyle Sullivan.

Burke was transported to a local hospital and upon arrival, he was awake and breathing on his own.

He told KMOV that he is keeping the rock as a reminder of what happened.

“Listen to your body,” he said. “My body was giving me signs, but I didn’t listen. Now I will. Not everybody comes back from something like this.”

Brueggeman said he is proud of everyone involved. “I get chills watching the footage,” he said.

“Our EMS is the best,” said Officer Brad Lewis. “The guy was lifeless. And then in the ambulance, he was breathing on his own and talking.”

Mayor Herb Roach complimented the 911 team for “how good and well-trained they are. And now an individual is walking around because of their coordinated efforts.”