Warren DPW workers honored for aiding man who had heart attack

Five Warren Department of Public Works (DPW) employees are being credited with helping save a man who had a heart attack last month.

On Nov. 10, Ed Wujcik was having coffee at the Sip ‘N Dip on Market Street when what started as a normal day turned into one he will never forget.

“He was doing what he usually does. Go and have a coffee, see his former town workers. Chatting up,” Council President Joseph DePasquale said.

But at 9:12 a.m., Wujcik suffered a massive heart attack.

“He went down. No heartbeat. Dead,” DePasquale said.

DPW employees Mario Canario, Michael Briggs, Vincent Arrenegado, Victor Reis and Jeffrey Moniz immediately jumped in and began CPR.

First responders arrived two minutes later and took over. Rescue Captain Jack Cuzzone and Assistant Chief Matt Primiano performed advanced life support measures and eventually had to defibrillate Wujcik several times before his heartbeat returned after about 20 minutes.

He was then rushed to the hospital, where he regained consciousness.

“By the time that crew left the hospital, Wujcik was sitting up and talking to them,” Fire Chief James Sousa said. “It’s without question that the immediate actions of the DPW workers initiating CPR and promptly alerting the emergency personnel directly contributed to the successful recovery that we have before us today.”

The staff was recognized with citations from the town council during Tuesday night’s meeting.

“This is a miracle,” DePasquale added. “It shows that the dedicated efforts and training, as well as our DPW, save lives.”