Police officer saves a life

South Fayette police officer saves the life of a resident

Mike Kuchta recognized for reviving man in cardiac arrest

By Andrea Iglar

It was a Friday afternoon in December when South Fayette police officer Mike Kuchta responded to the call.

He had been driving on Alpine Road when he heard a 911 dispatch that a man was suffering cardiac arrest on Hickory Heights Drive, a mile away.

Officer Kuchta arrived on scene within two minutes—even before the ambulance.

He performed CPR and employed an automated external defibrillator (AED)—a medical device that delivers electric shock to restore normal heart rhythm to someone whose heart has suddenly stopped beating.

By all accounts, Officer Kuchta saved the life of Tim Postufka.

South Fayette police officer Mike Kuchta, left, saved the life of Tim Postufka when the township resident suffered cardiac arrest in December.

Photo courtesy of Cheryl Postufka

In February, Mr. Postufka attended the South Fayette Township Board of Commissioners meeting, where officials recognized Officer Kuchta.

"He jumped right in and performed the life-saving actions that allow me to be here today," Mr. Postufka said. "And make no mistake, he's a true hero."

The Board of Commissioners, Township Manager John M. Barrett and Police Chief John Phoennik presented Officer Kuchta with a certificate of recognition for his actions, which “saved the life of a citizen who was in cardiac arrest” on December 17, 2021.

Chief Phoennik said that Officer Kuchta had insisted “he was just doing his job, and I want to tell Mike it is your job, but it’s a job well done.”

South Fayette Township commissioners Joe Horowitz, left, Gwen Rodi and Lisa Malosh recognized police officer Mike Kuchta, second from left, in February.

Photo by Andrea Iglar

Officer Kuchta (pronounced COOKtah) has served the South Fayette Township Police Department since 2003.

He is the only certified Emergency Medical Technician in the department and uses his skills to instruct fellow officers in CPR and first aid.

South Fayette police officers respond to an average of 125 ambulance calls per month, often rendering aid and comfort until the ambulance arrives, Chief Phoennik said, noting that AEDs are kept in all township police cars.

Only 2 percent of people found in cardiac arrest survive, he said.

“Too often, we do everything we can to find it wasn’t enough,” Chief Phoennik said. “But today, I can proudly stand here and say Officer Kuchta’s actions on December 17 did, in fact, save Mr. Postufka’s life.”

Mr. Postufka and his wife, Cheryl, have been residents of South Fayette for 20 years.

“His actions on December 17 gave new meaning to the adage of protect and serve,” Mr. Postufka said. “My wife and I, and my family and friends, will be forever grateful to you."