City of Newberry and Alachua County Honor First Responders with Inaugural Phoenix Award

In a powerful demonstration of inter-agency collaboration and community recognition, the City of Newberry and Alachua County jointly honored a team of first responders with the inaugural Phoenix Award, presented during a joint meeting of the Newberry City Commission and the Alachua County Board of County Commissioners.

Newberry Mayor Tim Marden and Alachua County Board of County Commissioners Chair Chuck Chestnut presented the awards, which celebrated a group of dedicated professionals whose swift and skilled actions saved the life of a local resident in cardiac arrest.

The Phoenix Award, named to reflect the mythical bird that rises from its ashes, is a symbol of resilience, hope, and extraordinary teamwork. It is a prestigious recognition awarded to individuals who play a direct and critical role in reviving a person whose heart has stopped and who later walks out of the hospital with a full, neurologically intact recovery.

“This is one of the most meaningful recognitions a first responder can receive,” said Newberry Fire Chief Jason Lyman, who introduced the award. “It represents the very best of what we do when we work together to serve our community.”

The incident occurred on Sunday, April 13th, just after 10:00 a.m., when a 911 call reported a man down outside his home. Thanks to the immediate action of Telecommunicator Cherie Muse, the rapid arrival and CPR efforts of Alachua County Sheriff’s Deputies Adam Gargulak and Christopher Drake, and the advanced life-saving care delivered by Alachua County Fire Rescue and Newberry Fire Department, the patient was revived and later walked out of UF Health Shands Hospital just four days after undergoing two life-saving surgeries. Their swift and skilled actions saved a life, demonstrating the profound impact of their work.

The timely coordination between dispatch, law enforcement, and emergency medical teams was key to the patient’s survival—demonstrating the value of cross-agency partnerships like the co-location of ACFR Rescue 28 within Newberry’s fire station.

The following individuals were recognized for their exceptional service:

• 911 Telecommunicator Cherie Muse
• 911 Communications Supervisor Jennifer Frohberg
• Deputy Adam Gargulak, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
• Deputy Christopher Drake, Alachua County Sheriff’s Office
• Firefighter/EMT Nicholas Alfieri, Alachua County Fire Rescue
• Rescue Lieutenant Michael Reddig, Alachua County Fire Rescue
• Firefighter/Paramedic Kristy Langston, Newberry Fire Department
• Firefighter/Paramedic Louis Derousie, Newberry Fire Department
• Driver/Operator Amby Cason, Newberry Fire Department
• Lieutenant Justin Asbell, Newberry Fire Department

“This is what partnership looks like. This is what serving a community together truly means,” said Chief Lyman. “Our residents received the best care possible because of these professionals’ training, compassion, and teamwork.”

The City of Newberry commends these outstanding individuals for their life-saving work and their unwavering commitment to public safety.