MTS Board Recognizes Heroic Actions by Transit Enforcement Personnel
March 8, 2018
Related To: San Diego Metropolitan Transit System (MTS)
When San Diego Metropolitan Transit System Security Officer Carlos Paredes collapsed from cardiac arrest at the 12th & Imperial Transit Center on February 9, the quick actions taken by seven of his colleagues in MTS Security helped save his life. Thanks to his colleagues’ training in CPR and Automated External Defibrillator (AED) use, Officer Paredes was able to attend today’s MTS Board of Directors meeting, during which the seven officers that worked together to save his life were recognized.
MTS Board Chair Georgette Gómez presented the officers with a plaque recognizing their life-saving efforts. “It is not an exaggeration to state that Officer Paredes would likely not be here today without the efforts of the seven officers,” said Gómez. “Together, as a team, they performed a heroic act to save the life of a fellow human being.”
On Friday, February 9, while on duty, Officer Paredes collapsed at the 12th & Imperial Station near the MTS headquarters. He was quickly moved to a safe location by fellow officers Jeremy Echeverria and Brandon Garcia, who radioed MTS Central Control and requested paramedics. Seconds later, Officer Alex Masciovecchio arrived at the scene, determined that Paredes had no pulse and began to perform CPR for several minutes, with the assistance of Sgt. Isaiah Alexander and Sgt. Carlos Caldelas. Two other MTS security officers, Steven Gil and Lt. Corwin Taylor, retrieved an AED and used the device on Officer Paredes, who was moments later resuscitated by paramedics arriving at the scene.
The seven officers were recognized for their heroic actions by the MTS Board of Directors during today’s public meeting. The actions taken by the officers are an excellent example of the dedication and professionalism of the MTS Transit Enforcement personnel.