Gym Staff and Members Revive Heart Attack Victims (VIDEO & GALLERY)

LAGRANGE — The Lagrange Fire District and federal, state and county elected officials honored five civilians who saved a man who was suffering a heart attack at a gym in August.

Three employees and two members of Warlock Athletics in LaGrange were forced into action after a longtime member “fell to the floor” following a cardiac arrest.

Retired Yonkers Deputy Fire Chief Tom Cavallo was preparing for a workout at the gym on August 12, 2024, when he fell to the ground without warning with a “slamming thud,” according to witnesses. He had suffered a heart attack.

Three Warlock employees, Heather Rancourt, Katie Koziol and Jose Lebron, immediately rushed to help and were joined by gym members Daniel Monahan and Hanna Choi (five honorees). According to gym owner Chris Quinby, the staff are all trained in first aid and the use of the automated external defibrillator, known as an AED, for emergencies like the one Cavallo experienced.

“The teamwork and quick thinking of our staff and our members saved one of our members,” said Chris Quinby, vice president and CFO of Warlock Athletics. “Warlock Athletics is committed to supporting the education and preparation of our employees and is grateful for individuals like Heather, Katie, Jose, Dan and Hannah who are prepared to intervene in critical situations.”

As the trio worked to obtain the AED and call 911, Monahan and Choi, both medical professionals at Vassar Brothers Medical Center, began CPR on Cavallo. The AED was applied and administered a shock, reviving the retired firefighter.

LaGrange Fire Chief Anthony Champion told the gathered crowd that Cavallo was conscious and alert when LaGrange firefighters responded. “Everyone’s quick actions saved Mr. Cavallo’s life,” the chief said.

The heart patient was transported by ambulance to Vassar Brothers, where he remained for three days before attempting to return to his exercise program.

Cavallo’s wife and daughter both work in the field of heart health. “Unfortunately, no one was there,” Cavallo told the crowd. “But thank God they were,” he said, pointing to the meeting’s honorees.