Goshen, N.Y. – Orange County Executive Steven M. Neuhaus has recognized Orange County Sheriff’s Office Deputy Andrew Eberhardt with May’s Citizen of the Month.
Eberhardt was honored for providing life-saving medical treatment to John McCarey, the County’s Director of Real Property Services, on Wednesday, April 3rd in the lobby of the County Executive’s Office. Eberhardt, a U.S. Army National Guard veteran who served three tours in the Middle East, will also be honored by the Legislature at its June meeting.
“The quick and decisive actions of Deputy Eberhardt and members of my staff helped save John’s life,” Neuhaus said. “Without hesitating, he jumped into action and came to John’s rescue. Andy and my staff kept their cool and worked together during a tense moment. Andy is known for his professionalism and dedication to public service. His heroics that day serve as a great example of the fine work that our Sheriff’s Deputies perform every day.”
McCarey and Eberhardt met on Tuesday morning in the County’s Government Center for the first time since April 3rd.
“I’m very thankful that Andy and the County Executive’s staff reacted in such a professional manner,” McCarey said. “They saved my life. Without them, I wouldn’t be here. Andy has always been a pro. He is remarkable and I will always be grateful to him for saving me.”
McCarey, the County’s Real Property Director since 2000, arrived at the County Executive’s Office for a meeting at approximately 9 a.m. when he collapsed while sitting in a chair. McCarey was suffering from a cardiac arrhythmia, which is a problem with the rate or rhythm of a heartbeat. It occurs when the heart beats too quickly, too slowly, or with an irregular pattern.
Eberhardt quickly sprang into action, administering CPR on McCarey. Meanwhile, Doreen Hamel, an Administrative Assistant in the County Executive’s Office, called 911. Sheri Hentschel, also an Administrative Assistant in the County Executive’s Office retrieved a nearby Automated External Defibrillator (AED) which Eberhardt applied on McCarey twice.
Assistant to the County Executive Mary Pat Smith assisted with CPR on McCarey during that time. The Village of Goshen Police and local EMT’s quickly responded to the scene. McCarey was taken to Orange Regional Medical Center in Middletown and is now recovering at home.
“In that situation, you always fall back on your training,” Eberhardt said. “I assessed the situation and saw that John was not responsive. I did my best to help him. I’ve known John for a long time. He is a great person and I’m glad that I could be there for him.”
Eberhardt has been a Deputy with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office for 30 years and has been assigned to the County Executive’s Office since January of 2014. He served in the U.S. Army National Guard from 1986-2014, retiring as Sergeant First Class. Eberhardt served two one-year tours in Iraq (2003-04 and 2007-08) and another 12-month tour in Afghanistan (2011-12).
“Our office could not be prouder of Deputy Eberhardt who consistently performs his duties with class and humility,” Orange County Sheriff Carl E. DuBois said. “Thanks to his extensive training and quick-thinking, Mr. McCarey was revived and is now recovering. Deputy Eberhardt’s heroic actions are representative of the high standards of the Orange County Sheriff’s Office.”
Neuhaus introduced his Citizen of the Month Award, which acknowledges outstanding Orange County residents, in January of 2017. To nominate someone for the Citizen of the Month Award, please email ceoffice@orangecountygov.com or mail a letter to “Citizen of the Month” at 255-275 Main Street Goshen, N.Y. 10924. Be sure to include the nominee’s name, hometown, a list of their accomplishments, why you are nominating them and any other pertinent information.
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