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Crime & Safety

Parents, Police Save Referee After Heart Attack

A 57-year-old referee, who suffered from a heart attack during a lacrosse game Tuesday, is recovering thanks to some fast-acting parents.

A group of parents and Westwood police officers revived the referee of a girls lacrosse game at after he suffered a heart attack Tuesday, according to Westwood Police Chief Frank Regino.

The referee, a 57-year-old Mahwah resident, complained about chest pains before collapsing at a game Tuesday night. Several parents and an off-duty Oradell police officer began performing CPR and called 911, Regino said.

When Westwood police arrived at the park, they took over the CPR and shocked the man with a defibrillator four times. Regino said the man then became alert and was transported to Valley Hospital.

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"From what I understand, he's doing well," Regino said. "He's recovering."

According to Mayor John Birkner, the incident took place during a game against Wayne, which was the first played on the new field. Birkner praised the fast response during a council meeting Tuesday.

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"The referee was apparently 'on the other side,' and he was brought back and stabilized," Birkner said.

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