On November 1, 2021, at 1514hrs. a 71 year old Township resident was conducting personal business in the Municipal Building. At some point the resident collapsed in the Administrative Wing and became unresponsive due to a cardiac episode. As municipal employees alerted Police personnel, Construction Official Frank Genova, a retired Career Fire Captain for CFD, sprang into action. Genova immediately recognized that the individual was unresponsive and had no detectable pulse at which time he commenced Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation. For nearly a minute Genova continued the exhausting life-saving measures until Lt. Christopher Polito and Off. Corey Loforte arrived on scene to continue CPR. Both reassessed that the male had no pulse, was not breathing, and Lt. Polito continued CPR while Off. Loforte went to retrieve an AED and oxygen.

During this response Lt. Polito and Inspector Genova continued to rotate through the exhausting process of chest compressions, while Off. LoForte administered oxygen to the victim. After approximately two plus minutes of CPR, the victim gasped for air. As Advanced Life Support measures were continued, just prior to transport to Newark Beth Israel Medical Center, a faint pulse could be detected on the victim.

Upon consulting with members of the Cranford Fire Department, the victim was conscious and alert upon arrival at Newark Beth Israel Hospital and asking staff if he would be able to leave the facility that evening.

Chief Greco commended everyone for their actions during this incident. The American Heart Association estimates that only 10% of “out of hospital” cardiac patients survive. "It is a true testament to [their] training and their physical and mental capabilities during this highly tense and stressful ordeal," he said.