Plant City Fire Rescue and Pasco County Fire Rescue Honor Lifesaving Firefighter Paramedic Patrick Dudkiewicz

By Cheryl Johnston

Pasco County Firefighter Paramedic Patrick Dudkiewicz became an off-duty lifesaver in Hillsborough County recently. On two different days within a week, during his workouts at CrossFit Plant City, his training and quick response time prevented gym members Patti Storch and Richard Mau from dying too soon.

CrossFit Plant City owner Carol Mate expressed her gratitude that Captain Powell, the Interim Fire Chief, initiated a special surprise gathering to honor Dudkiewicz. In the cooperative effort, he was able to see both gym-goers whose lives he had saved. The three had not seen each other since the day of their miracle rescue.

In addition to media teams from Channel 8, Fox 13, Focus Magazine and the Plant City Observer, members of Plant City Fire Rescue, Pasco Fire Rescue, many gym clients, and a good crowd of community well-wishers showed up to encourage Dudkiewicz for his job well done. He responded, “I’m surprised, shocked, and grateful to see my family and friends here, too, which means that much more.”

His mother, Diane McKelvey, mentioned her son’s humility as well. “He never said a word about what happened. Even though he wasn’t on duty, he was still doing the work he’s been trained to do. We’re proud to see him honored in this way.”

After completing her workout at CrossFit Plant City on May 25, Patti Storch suffered a cardiac arrest. Coach Vick yelled, “Patti’s on the ground, unconscious.” And that’s when Dudkiewicz jumped into action. Once he realized she wasn’t breathing, he performed CPR and used the AED onsite at CrossFit Plant City to bring her heart back into rhythm. After Plant City Fire Rescue arrived, her blood pressure and pulse were restored before they took her to South Florida Baptist Hospital.

Interestingly, neither Dudkiewicz nor Storch were eager to be at the gym that day; he feared he’d be late for work, but his wife encouraged him to go; and Storch wasn’t feeling well but her husband Andy convinced her the workout time might help.

She considers it miraculous they were both working out at the same time. Storch explained, “I’m thankful for these people who choose this profession and for being there when I needed them.” Storch was also pleased to hug and thank her rescuer at the surprise ceremony.

When Dudkiewicz was working out again at CrossFit Plant City on June 1, he assisted Richard Mau, another cardiac arrest victim. Again, he performed CPR before Plant City Fire Rescue arrived. After Mau was taken to South Florida Baptist Hospital, he was transferred to St. Joseph’s Hospital for quintuple bypass surgery.

For the last four years, Mau had been working out six days weekly at CrossFit Plant City. In doing so, he lost weight and was feeling great.

Thankfully, his “guardian angel” was on site to save his life. Later his cardiologist advised Mau that his experience had a one in a thousand survival rate. Of Dudkiewicz, Mau said, “He’s my hero and I’m forever indebted to him…I believe God sent him.” And Mau’s wife Susan agreed.

“This means everything to me, seeing Patti and Richard standing here is very special,” Dudkiewicz offered. “I just wanted them to be OK.” He added, “It’s incredible to see their families again, too. I was thankful to be here on those days.”

For his lifesaving actions, Dudkiewicz received a “Challenge Coin,” also known as a “Coin of Character.” Plant City Fire Rescue Senior Chaplain Dan Middlebrooks explained the significance. “While others are running away from lifethreatening situations, our firefighters are running toward the danger, putting their own lives on the line to save others.” He continued, “The coin is a form of recognition and appreciation for their commitment to rescue and help.”

Before a brief photo session, Carol Mate concluded the formal part of the ceremony with a gift for Patrick – a lifetime membership to CrossFit Plant City. “There’s no way we could ever thank you enough,” she said. “We believe it was God’s design to have you here those days and we’re overwhelmed and grateful.”

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