Kyle Lawson
Staten Island Advance, N.Y.
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Two Staten Island coaches were honored this week by District Attorney Michael E. McMahon for their heroism during a life-or-death situation at a recent high school lacrosse game in Brooklyn.
City Firefighter Anthony Mendez and Sanitation worker Mark Rini were off-duty and coaching the Monsignor Farrell team at the time of the March 29 incident inside the Aviator Sports Complex at Floyd Bennett Field. As both teams were warming up, a 72-year-old spectator, Patrick McCarthy, suffered a heart attack.
With EMS workers at least 10 minutes out, due to the size and location of the venue, Rini and Mendez sprung into action. They performed CPR on McCarthy, also a Staten Islander, until an ambulance arrived. The patient initially was taken to Coney Island Hospital until his condition was stabilized, then relocated to Bellevue Hospital in Manhattan.
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On Monday, McCarthy and his family were able to thank Mendez and Rini during a ceremony at the district attorney’s office in St. George.
“Even when off-duty, these two dedicated public servants sprang into action and helped save the life of a fellow Staten Islander,” McMahon said in a written statement following the ceremony. “We thank them for their quick thinking and care displayed that day, as we also wish Mr. McCarthy a continued and speedy recovery.”
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