Franklin Township Somerset County Saves an Unconscious Male Suffering a Medical Emergency at Work

Franklin Township (Somerset), NJ — Franklin Township police officers saved the life of an individual who suffered a medical emergency while working outdoors last month, Acting Public Safety Director Lloyd Fredericks announced.

On Monday, January 19th, 2026, at approximately 10:27 am, Officer Martin Ragie and Officer Edmond Neequaye, who is currently in field training, responded to the area of Route 27 and Church Street on the report of an unconscious male. The victim had been working for his employer shoveling snow when he collapsed.

Upon arrival, officers determined the victim was not breathing and had no pulse. Officers immediately began CPR and deployed a defibrillator with the assistance of Det. Rosendo Vargas, who arrived on scene shortly thereafter. After several rounds of CPR and two defibrator shocks, the victim regained a pulse and began breathing on his own.

Kendall Park EMS and Robert Wood Johnson paramedics arrived and took over patient care. The victim was later transported to a local hospital and has since made a full recovery.

The officers involved will be formally recognized by the Franklin Township Council at its February 24th meeting. The victim is expected to attend the meeting and meet the officers who saved his life.

While the Franklin Township Police Department (FTPD) has mandated officers to maintain CPR certification through biennial training, Acting Director Fredericks recently implemented a policy requiring annual CPR instruction. The agency has also expanded in-house medical training to include “Stop the Bleed” and emergency medical responder courses.

“I am grateful our officers were able to use their training and equipment to save a life,” Fredericks said. “Training that was previously required every other year is now taken annually. By increasing the repetitions and amount of time officers spend training, we are better prepared to provide critical assistance to residents and visitors when every second matters.”

The Franklin Township Police Department encourages residents to learn CPR. Organizations such as the American Red Cross, local hospitals, and private companies offer training in CPR and first aid. More information is available at redcross.org.

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