Dover officer commended for life-saving CPR
DOVER (September 4, 2024) (WJER) – A police officer was honored Tuesday by the mayor, the community, and the man who says he owes his life to the officer.
Patrolman Ryan Porter received an official commendation from Mayor Shane Gunnoe and other city officials Tuesday for performing life-saving CPR on West Third Street resident Rick Schreiber a little over two weeks ago.
“I had three heart doctors who came to me and said if it wasn’t for Officer Porter, I would not be here,” Schreiber said. “I want to thank you so much because he also went to the hospital to make sure my wife was OK.”
Schreiber then spoke to Porter’s son.
“If you don’t have a hero, here’s your hero. He’s my hero for sure.”
Gunnoe says Porter, responding to a 911 call from Schreiber’s wife on Aug. 18, found Schreiber at his home unresponsive, not breathing and without a pulse. He performed CPR and continued even after paramedics arrived and delivered an AED shock.
That shock did not appear to work, but after Porter continued CPR, paramedics detected a pulse.
“It was a great outcome,” Porter said. “Everybody did an excellent job. I was just super excited. Afterward I was on Cloud 9 as I left the house because he had a pulse again. It’s just kind of hard to explain that feeling.”
Members of Porter’s family, Schreiber’s family and fellow police officers packed City Council chambers Tuesday to show their support.
Porter is a 13-year member of the Dover Police Department. He says he typically does not like the limelight, be he was grateful for the recognition for his department.
“I’m very happy with the outcome,” Porter said. “I’m glad to see Mr. Schreiber up and walking around. I’ve talked to him a couple of times since the incident and he seems to be doing great. It’s just awesome to see that – a reminder of why we come to work.”
