It was his second day as a Holliston police officer. He helped save a life

HOLLISTON — Rescue workers jumped into action Thursday to save a man who had a “massive heart attack” inside a Central Street store, including an officer who was on just his second day with the Police Department.

The 61-year-old man is alive due to the quick work of the four police officers, an off-duty paramedic and firefighters, according to Police Chief Matthew Stone.

“These guys were in the right place at the right time and took the right actions to save this man’s life,” Stone said.

At 11 a.m., the department received several 911 calls that a man had collapsed in the CVS Pharmacy at 101 Central St. Field Training Officer Scott Downey, trainee Alex Keefe, Officer Tim Henney and School Resource Officer Bryan DiGirgio arrived within minutes and began using CPR on the victim, shocking the man twice with an automated external defibrillator, Stone said.

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Holliston police officers Alex Keefe and Scott Downey helped save a man who had a heart attack on Thursday. Keefe was on his second day with the department.
Holliston police officers Alex Keefe and Scott Downey helped save a man who had a heart attack on Thursday. Keefe was on his second day with the department.

They were assisted by off-duty paramedic David Piantedosi, as well as Holliston and Medway firefighters.

For Keefe, it was just his second day on the job, but he has experience saving lives after seven years with the Ashland Police Department, Stone said.

“He has previously been awarded five life-saving awards with the Ashland Police Department,” said Stone. “He came with experience, jumped into action and didn’t hesitate.”

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All of the officers and Piantedosi had completed their annual re-certification CPR training in November, with Piantedosi earning his on Tuesday, Stone said.

“It was perfect timing,” the chief said.

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Norman Miller can be reached at 508-626-3823 or nmiller@wickedlocal.com. For up-to-date public safety news, follow Norman Miller on Twitter @Norman_MillerMW or on Facebook at facebook.com/NormanMillerCrime.

This article originally appeared on MetroWest Daily News: Holliston police officer saves life at CVS on his second day at work