Local hero performs CPR, helps save life in Maggie Daley Park

It was just a normal Saturday in Maggie Daley Park—until it wasn’t.

Park employees sprang into action when a man visiting from Texas collapsed and began seizing near the park’s playgarden at about 5:30 p.m., March 10.

Upon hearing the man’s wife call out for help, Security Officer Jarrell Brown quickly

radioed Officer Michael Malone, a former Chicago Fire Department firefighter and

first responder who was on duty near the playgarden. Malone rushed to the scene

and called 911.

When Malone reached the man, he realized his condition was serious. “I knew it was an emergency since he was seizing up,” Malone said. “The seizure was going on for

two minutes and he wasn’t responding to his name or anything verbal. He soon became unresponsive and stopped breathing.”

That’s when Malone started CPR. His quick response worked, and after a few

minutes, the man finally coughed.

“We celebrated like it was a sporting event,” Malone said. “And then he went to

sleep, which is a good sign.”

While Malone was handling the hands-on response, Paul Fuller, Maggie Daley Park operations manager, helped first responders find the best route into the park. Security Officer Laron Jackson then guided them to the area where Malone was

administering CPR. The team was able to revive the man and get him to a hospital

safely for further care.

Malone said their team effort in a time of crisis was crucial during this emergency. He credited his training and the team’s adherence to emergency protocols as

the reason the they were able to save the man’s life.

“I was in the right position at the right time to help,” he said.

Published on May 2