FARMINGTON — A Farmington police officer and a Franklin County dispatcher were honored Wednesday for their efforts to help save a life.

Gathered outside the Franklin Regional Communications Center, Farmington officer Bridgette Gilbert and Franklin County Communications Specialist Blaine Rackliff were surprised to find police officers, family members and Ron and Deborah Gregoire of Chesterville there to acknowledge them.

The story began around 8:45 a.m. on July 30 when Rackliff received a 911 call from Deborah Gregoire, Farmington Police Chief Jack Peck said. Her husband, Ron, was lying face down on the floor and not breathing. She believed he was suffering a heart attack.

Rackliff’s dispatch partner, Tyler Richard, called a NorthStar ambulance and Chesterville Fire first responders as Rackliff talked Gregoire through the process of administering CPR.

Gilbert heard the call to the Zions Hill Road home and realized she was probably closer than either the ambulance crew or the fire responders. She told dispatch she would respond, Peck said.

She found Gregoire, 74, without a pulse and his skin color was blue. She attached an automated external defibrillator, Peck said. Gregoire started breathing. 

With Rackcliff’s coaching, Deborah Gregoire performed CPR on her husband for approximately 14 minutes. She delivered an estimated 900 chest compressions to help save her husband’s life, he said.

Medical help soon arrived and he was taken to Franklin Memorial Hospital. 

“We gather to recognize those that assisted Deborah that day, dispatcher Rackliff and Officer Gilbert,” Peck said. “Due to the actions of Officer Gilbert and dispatcher Rackliff, Ron is alive and doing well today.”

“This is a great going-away present,” Rackliff told the Gregoires as he hugged them prior to the presentation of awards.

It was Rackliff’s last day as a dispatcher after 10 years with the department. He plans to leave for Montana this week to join his family.

While Rackliff and Gilbert were recognized, Stan Wheeler, director of the communications center, acknowledged that it was a team effort with a lot of people helping. The dispatch partner did his part, and Chesterville Fire first responders and the NorthStar ambulance crew were also part of the success story. 

“Everyone united together,” he said.

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