November 26, 2025 — Crews from Station 7 of Citrus County Fire Rescue received a heartfelt visit today from a patient whose life they saved earlier this month. The man stopped by the Connell Heights Station with donuts to thank the first responders who helped him during a medical emergency.

Earlier in November, Squad 7 and Rescue 51 were dispatched to a cardiac arrest call. Upon arrival, firefighters found a family member already performing CPR. The crew quickly took over manual compressions before applying the LUCAS mechanical CPR device. Working together with advanced life support interventions, responders achieved ROSC (Return of Spontaneous Circulation) and transported the patient to TGH Crystal River, where he made a full recovery.

Rescue 51 was staffed by Paramedic Audrey Wasylyk and EMT Zakary Fairchild. Squad 7’s crew included Captain/Paramedic Thomas Harris, Driver Engineer/Paramedic John Stephenson, and Firefighter/EMT Michael Warren.

With Thanksgiving approaching, the department reflected on the moment as a reminder of the impact of teamwork and community. “Moments like this remind us what it’s all about—gratitude, second chances, and the people we serve,” the department said.

Happy Thanksgiving from Citrus County Fire Rescue.