The Brownsburg Town Council recognized the community members and emergency responders whose quick actions helped save a Brownsburg man’s life during its Thursday, August 27 meeting.
The group was recognized for their response to a cardiac arrest following a motor vehicle collision on Main Street earlier this year. On April 14, 2026, Brownsburg Fire Territory crews and Brownsburg Police Department officers were dispatched to a motor vehicle collision on Main Street west of Green Street. Before emergency responders arrived, four witnesses recognized that something was wrong and immediately stepped in to help.
Howard Stermer, Kristin Burton, Malorie Ward, and Dr. Ashwani Sharma began lifesaving efforts by initiating CPR.
Shortly afterward, Brownsburg Police Department officers arrived and continued resuscitation efforts, including the use of an automated external defibrillator (AED). When Brownsburg Fire Territory crews arrived, they assumed care and continued resuscitation while providing advanced life support.
Dr. Jim Nossett, Brownsburg Fire Territory’s Medical Director, was also on scene and provided critical medical direction to assist paramedics and firefighters in caring for the patient, Gary Shultz of Brownsburg.
Through the combined efforts of bystanders, police officers, firefighters, EMTs, paramedics, and medical personnel, Shultz regained a pulse and spontaneous circulation. He was transported emergently to a local hospital for additional medical care.
The incident demonstrates the importance of early recognition, immediate CPR, rapid access to an AED, and advanced medical care during a cardiac arrest. According to data published by the American Heart Association, without immediate bystander CPR, survival rates can be as low as 1.9%. Immediate bystander CPR can double or triple a person’s chance of survival, with early defibrillation and high-quality CPR improving those chances even further.
During the August 27 Town Council meeting, Shultz was able to personally thank those who helped save his life as lifesaving awards were presented to the individuals involved in his resuscitation.
The Town recognized Howard Stermer, Kristin Burton, Malorie Ward, Dr. Ashwani Sharma, Brownsburg Police Department officers Foote and Mlagan, Dr. Jim Nossett, and the crews of Brownsburg Fire Territory for their selfless actions and quick response.
