Nevada County probation officer honored for saving hockey teammate’s life

A Nevada County probation officer was honored for saving his hockey teammate’s life after the teammate suffered a heart attack and collapsed during a game at Skatetown Ice Rink in Roseville.

Medical officials credited Ben Hertel, who was off duty at the time, with preventing Ken Dorner from going brain-dead. Video footage captured the moment Dorner collapsed on the ice.

"Right over there I had a heart attack on this ice," Dorner said. "I felt a little funny and fell to the ice, and the last thing I remember was looking up at the guys, and them asking me if I knew what my name was."

Hertel, who was playing on the same team, immediately stepped in to help.

"The minute I hit the ice, Ben drew his gloves off, came over, and started CPR right away," Dorner said.

Hertel described his actions, saying, "Skated over to him right away, recognized he was having a cardiac event. Fell back to my training, started the CPR process. Compressions, got an AED, called 911, going through that whole process until he was back."

Dorner was without a heartbeat for two and a half minutes before Hertel’s efforts revived him.

"CPR is super important. It made a difference here today and with Ken. To have Ken here today, it’s a full testament to that process of CPR," Hertel said.

Hertel and others who assisted were recognized during a ceremony at the ice rink, with honors coming from both Skatetown Ice Rink and Hertel’s boss, Nevada County Chief Probation Officer Jeff Goldman.

"He wasn’t on duty, he was simply a teammate who saw someone in need and immediately stepped forward," Goldman said.

Despite the recognition, Hertel remained humble, saying, "Watching my kid play on Sundays, that’s what I’m here for. To share those memories and everything."

Dorner expressed gratitude for his second chance at life, saying, "I feel a lot better. I can skate, but I have some broken ribs from the CPR. Better than being ice cold."

After the ceremony, Hertel and Dorner shared beers and talked about the experience. Dorner plans to return to the ice once he feels better and hopes to continue playing hockey.