An extraordinary team of neighbors and emergency personnel received a standing ovation-worthy recognition at the Villa Park Village Board meeting on Monday, October 26.

The village presented the American Heart Association Heartsaver Hero Award to 13 people whose coordinated response helped save resident Doug Brandow’s life.

The story began on August 25, 2025, around 5:30 p.m., when Brandow suffered a sudden medical emergency while walking his dog, Simone.

Passing motorist Paul Stika noticed Brandow lying on the sidewalk, stopped to help and immediately called 911.

When Brandow stopped breathing, telecommunicator Samantha Doran upgraded the emergency response and guided Stika through CPR over the phone.

Those first actions kept lifesaving care moving while responders were on their way.

Villa Park Police Officers Nathan St. Clair and Iliar Bekteshi arrived within minutes, used an automated external defibrillator, or AED, and continued chest compressions.

Lieutenants Brian Morrice and Todd Gutzmer, along with firefighter/paramedics Andy Fillipp, James Marcello, Josh Borowick, Steve Schimanski and Tom Sandeno, continued the medical response.

Working together, the team restored Brandow’s pulse, stabilized him and transported him to a hospital for further care.

After a hospital stay and rehabilitation, Brandow was able to return home to his family.

The effort reached beyond emergency treatment.

Neighbor Jennifer Biewer recognized Brandow, notified his wife, Judith, helped contact their children and drove Judith to the hospital.

Her thoughtful support meant the family had someone alongside them during a frightening evening.

The Village Board’s recognition included Stika, Biewer, Doran, Sergeant Louis Easton, Officers Bekteshi and St. Clair, and Lieutenants Gutzmer and Morrice.

Firefighter/Paramedics Fillipp, Marcello, Borowick, Schimanski and Sandeno were also honored.

While their responsibilities differed, everyone contributed to an outcome that mattered deeply to one Villa Park family.

The ceremony offered an important reminder that community safety can begin with an ordinary neighbor willing to act.

Recognizing an emergency, calling 911, following CPR instructions and using an available AED can all make a difference before and after first responders arrive.

The village celebrated not only the training and professionalism of its emergency teams, but also the care shown by residents who stepped forward without hesitation.

Congratulations to every Heartsaver Hero Award recipient for showing what a community can accomplish together.