Credit: County of Bucks
Former Bucks County Commissioner Andy Warren, a resident of Middletown Township, is a common sight at the Administration Building and remains involved in oversight of county operations.
On the November 17 just past 10 a.m. as he arrived to attend a Bucks County Board of Elections meeting, he collapsed near the Court Street entrance in Doylestown Borough.
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Bucks County Emergency Service security officers, who patrol the Administration Building and other county property, and a security screener jumped into action. They assessed the unconscious retired public servant and began rendering aid.
Warren said he recalls walking into the Administration Building that morning and feeling fine. The next thing he can remember is laying in a hospital bed at Doylestown Hospital several hours later.
The former county commissioner said he was unresponsive for three minutes.
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Security officers used an automated external defibrillator to revive the fallen 79 year old until the Central Bucks Emergency Medical Service arrived to rush him to the hospital.
“The doctors said had I not been here surrounded by people who knew what to do, I would not be here,” he said.
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Speaking to the security staff and commissioners on Wednesday morning, Warren said the training the security officers have undertaken and county installing automated external defibrillators in the building saved his life.
Bucks County Director of Law Enforcement and the Safety Department Rich Vona and Warren presented commendations for their actions to Peace Officer Roland Rodgers, Peace Officer John Rule, Peace Officer Mark Lewandowski, Peace Officer Dave Smith, Peace Officer Otis Weathersby, and Screener Karen Frable.
“I have spoken to several medical professionals familiar with this case and each has reiterated that the actions of the involved officers were timely and properly executed to the result that Mr. Warren is here with us today,” Vona said.
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Warren, holding back tears, said his party affiliation as a Republican didn’t matter that day and Democratic Commissioner Diane Ellis-Marseglia got to work following his collapse getting in contact with his wife.
Warren didn’t have a cell phone with him when he collapsed, and the efforts of Ellis-Marseglia and former Commissioner Charley Martin led to Middletown Township police being able to get in touch with Warren’s wife, Elaine, to let her know what happened.
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In appreciation for his life being saved, Warren and his wife plan to create a $1,000 scholarship at Bucks County Community College for students who are entering the emergency medical service courses.
“It was the actions of our peace officers and staff jumping right into action and providing the type of care that allows [Warren] to be here today,” Commissioners Chairperson Bob Harvie said.
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“We all are one county, one people,” Ellis-Marseglia said.
“I hope this means there will only be good public comment,” she joked to Warren, a frequent public commenter.
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Commissioner Gene DiGirolamo thanked the county workers who assisted Warren and said he is glad his friend is doing better.
In addition to being a retired commissioner, Warren is a former teacher, township supervisor, and PennDOT executive.
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