Northumberland County hosts ‘Survivor Night’ to recognize first-responders
By reporter Natalie Hamilton
When Joe Palumbo collapsed suddenly during a tennis match in Cobourg in May 2025, bystanders immediately started CPR, coached by dispatch ambulance communications officers.
When Northumberland County paramedics and firefighters arrived at the Coverdale Tennis Club, they took over his care, with firefighters assisting with chest compressions while paramedics delivered advanced lifesaving interventions.
From the actions of the first caller to the first-responders, Palumbo’s heart finally started beating again before he was transported to the hospital for further care, shared Northumberland County.
Palumbo’s story was among those shared on Oct. 27 when first-responders, survivors and their family members gathered as Northumberland County hosted the 11th annual Survivor Night ceremony.
The theme for this year’s ceremony was “The Moments After,” and highlighted the critical actions and teamwork in the minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest.
Survivor Night recognizes the people and co-ordinated efforts behind cardiac arrest responses, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and the bystanders whose actions can make a life-changing difference.
This year, 126 first-responders from across 11 dispatch, paramedic, fire and police services serving Northumberland were formally recognized for their roles in the resuscitation of 22 people who experienced cardiac arrest in 2025.
“It was the most stories we’ve ever had,” said Northumberland Paramedics’ Chief Susan Brown.
In addition to Palumbo, four other survivors attended the ceremony.
“We really (demonstrated) that chain of survival in an emergency” through the stories that were shared, she said.
That chain encompasses calling 911, starting CPR, making use of an automated external defibrillator (AED) if available, and then the arrival of first-responders on the scene.
“Every cardiac arrest is a powerful reminder that outcomes are shaped in the moments that follow,” said Brown. “Whether it’s a family member or bystander starting CPR, a dispatcher providing instructions over the phone or first-responders working together at the scene, every action plays an important role when seconds matter most.”
The annual ceremony reinforces the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest and taking prompt, appropriate action.
“Survivor Night reminds us that behind every emergency response is a team of dedicated professionals and community members working together to help others in their time of greatest need,” said outgoing Warden Bob Crate.
“As we mark the 11th annual ceremony, we recognize the skill, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by first-responders in their work, the courage of bystanders jumping into action, and the stories of survivors, who remind us what these collective efforts make possible – more time, more moments and more memories with the people who matter most.”
First-responders recognized from the Cobourg Fire Department were Andrew Hardy, Brody Waller, Chris Post, Daniel Lagrois, Darren Goodwin, Jack Dillon, Jeff Briggs, Matthew Diminie, Mitchell Blair, Nigel Hall, Patrick Wilson, Rachel Dunbrack, Sorab Bulsara, Scott MacDonald and Steve Lagani.
Joel Rashotte from Cobourg Police Service was also recognized at the ceremony.
Meanwhile, from the Township of Cramahe Fire Department, Chris Watton and Mike McMurray received recognition.
From the Township of Hamilton Fire Department, Kevin Cameron, Nick Kennedy, Scott Hie and Tyler Corvers were formally recognized.
First-responders recognized from Brighton Fire and Rescue were Adam McCurdy, Adam Walsh, Andrew Hutchinson, Deeanna Gerow, Dominik Lagace, Emma Moon, John Mifsud, Ken Robertson, Kory Hietala, Olivia McMurray, Paige Jeffreys, Paul Martin and Stephanie Lubig.
From the Lindsay Central Ambulance Communications Centre, Allyssa Bowen, Anna Charlton, Ashley Howard, Ben Strating, Brooke Jewell, Carissa McQuade, Deanna Marucio, Glenda McElwain, Janice Dunigan, Jean Langsford, Jesse Lappan, Jordan Gannon-Lean, Josh Eldridge, Kathryn Heard, Maggie Denney, Michelle Holmes, Molly Burt, Nicole Paquette, Paige Cooke, Peyton Forbes, Sandi McLeod, Shelley Harrison, Star Rutherford, Sydney Lodwick, Tamara Kimball and Tammy Lockwood received recognition.
From Northumberland OPP, Amit Kumar, Brandon Malcolm and Darryl Meyers were honoured.
From Northumberland Paramedics, those recognized included Abby Todd, Anna DeKleer (former county paramedic), Ava Patterson, Bob Cranley, Bobby Harris, Brooklin Raven, Bryan Brockbank, Cameron Kendall, Christian O’Neill, Christipher Hopkins, Christine Bruhm, Dan Dulmage, Dexter Barrett, Emery McLaughlin (former county paramedic), Emily Lloyd, Erin Gregus, Galen Burrows, Greg Donnan, Hannah Han (former county paramedic), Hayley Martin, Heidi Brown, Jacob Platanitis, Jaden Leblanc, James Sandzuik, Joseph Fleming, Joseph Sakuma, Justin Fraser, Kayla Baggaley, Kevin Payne (former county paramedic), Laurie McKenna, Lexus Rocha, Matthew Rollwagen, Mike Stumpf, Molly Matwey, Morgan Steinmiller (former county paramedic), Nick Kennedy, Rob Woollard, Ronni Williams, Sarah Buckle, Sarah Ghey, Shea Eddison, Stephanie Lubig, Steven Nurse, Tamara Perron, Taylor Janevski, Taylor Ward-Forrester, Thomas Muzik, Tiffany Storms-Stoakley and Zack Caddick.
The ceremony also recognized Abigail Teno, Allison Mullins, Claire Rowden, Hayley Mugford and Stephen O’Neil from Port Hope Fire and Emergency Services. Meanwhile, Port Hope Police Service’s Michael Worts received recognition.
From the Trent Hills Fire Department, Allison Gratton, Brian Buchanan, Charlie Murphy, Emerson Durcak, Ian LeBlanc, Jennifer Greenly, Jon Trotter, Kyle Finch, Liam Glovier, Mateusz Swoboda, Noah Robertson, Paul Dawson, Shawn Jamieson and Victor Balas were honoured.
As for Palumbo, one month after his cardiac incident, he returned to the tennis club to join club officials in accepting an AED for the facility, donated by paramedics.
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