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MANOA FIREFIGHTER WHO SUFFERED CARDIAC EMERGENCY AT MARPLE BLAZE GETS A HERO’S GREETING:

Manoa life member Norm Williams gives the captain, on right, who did not want to be identified, a pat on the back as firefighters applaud him.

HAVERFORD » A Manoa firefighter received a grand welcome home after a neardeath experience, resulting in four days in Bryn Mawr Hospital after suffering a cardiac emergency while fighting a fire in Marple on Easter Sunday.

Area firefighters lined the street in front of Manoa’s station to welcome the captain, who declined to be named for this article, home Thursday.

He rode home in the same officer’s seat of Squad 56 that he occupied Sunday to battle a blaze on the 100 block of Beechtree Drive in Marple about 2 p.m. Sunday. After helping knock down the main fire, he was taking a breather and preparing to assist with overhaul when the heart attack struck.

Fellow firefighters and first responders jumped into action to bring him back from a sudden death.

They grabbed an automated external defibrillator, which is used to help those experiencing sudden cardiac arrest, and got his heart restarted; he was then rushed to Bryn Mawr Hospital.

“Thank you everybody,” the captain said as he gingerly stepped out of Squad 56 to thank fellow firefighters.

He said he was still processing the events that day but was thankful to be alive.

“I’m very thankful for everyone who was there and everyone who acted so quickly; otherwise the results would be different,” he said. “I’m glad to be home.”

“I’d like to thank members of the Newtown Square Fire Co., Broomall Fire Co., Garrettford Drexel Hill Fire Co., Marple Ambulance Corp and Manoa Fire Co. that quickly jumped into action to save one of our own,” said Manoa Chief Michael E. Norman. “Today, we were able to bring that member home to his family where he will be able to continue his life.”

Norman also thanked the many local departments who offered assistance in the days that followed.

“Training paid off and the AED and AED application was key - that was quoted from the cardiologist today at the hospital,” Norman said.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP SUBMITTED PHOTO This was the scene at the house fire in Marple on Easter Sunday.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP The Manoa captain with hat on walks past Squad 56.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP Area firefighters applaud the Manoa captain as he arrives home.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP Manoa arrive at their station on South Eagle Road in Havertown.

PETE BANNAN - MEDIANEWS GROUP The captain, on left, thanks a Newtown Square firefighter.