On Saturday, October 26, 2013, LAFD Handball represented our Department and profession in a way that we should all be proud of. Several LAFD members were participating in the Simple Green U.S. Open of Handball, which is a tournament with 300 entries from as far away as Ireland and Australia featuring more than $150,000 in prize money. Roy Harvey (92-B) and Chris Yokoyama 92-B) were competing against Sergio Guzman (73-B) and civilian Steve Carbajal in a preliminary match of the “A” Doubles.
There were several off duty LAFD members watching the match, when someone came to the court looking for a paramedic. One of the players on another court suffered a heart attack and was pulseless and non-breathing when we entered the court. Chad Rolish (92-B), Alex Garcia (66-B), Richard Ramirez (27-B), and Salvador Castillon (26-B) immediately started CPR, while someone located the Automatic External Defibrillator that was kept at the sports club. With Guzman, Yokoyama and Harvey helping out where needed, the well-oiled team of LAFD members delivered three shocks with the AED and provided effective CPR until relieved by the Fountain Valley Fire Department.
Approximately 30 minutes after the incident, when play had resumed the Firefighters from Fountain Valley returned to Los Caballeros and reported that the patient was awake and holding a conversation in the ambulance by the time they reached the Hospital. Thirty to forty people observed the incident, and they were amazed and impressed with the professionalism displayed by our members. Always remember that we are looked at as role models, and people that we know rarely see us in action. This incident reinforced the positive image in the handball community.
Our success continued on the court, with John Libby Jr. (3-B) winning the “45” Singles Division. David Diaz (26-A) won the “B” Singles Division. Andrew Gutierrez (FPB) won the “60” Singles Division, while Chris Yokoyama (92-B) and Roy Harvey (92-B) won the “A” Doubles Division. Retired members John Murray and Bobby Raya faced each other both with civilian partners for 3rd Place in the “60” Doubles Division, with Murray and his partner winning.
Upcoming events are the “Turkey Burner” one-day tournament on November 30th at Los Cab, and the LAFD Fall Singles Tournament finals at the Los Angeles Athletic Club on December 12, 2013. All active and retired members are invited.
By the Commissioner
