On Tuesday, October 27, 2026, first responders, survivors and families gathered as Northumberland County hosted the 11th Annual Survivor Night Ceremony. This year’s theme “The Moments After,” highlighted the critical actions and teamwork in the minutes following an out-of-hospital cardiac arrest, and the lasting impact of those actions long after the emergency is over.
Survivor Night recognizes the individuals and coordinated efforts behind cardiac arrest responses, including paramedics, firefighters, police officers, dispatchers, and the bystanders whose actions can make a life-changing difference.
This year, 126 first responders across 11 dispatch, paramedic, fire, and police services serving Northumberland were formally recognized for their roles in the resuscitation of 22 individuals who experienced cardiac arrest in 2025, marking the largest number of stories featured in the ceremony’s history. Each recognition reflected the importance of rapid intervention, collaboration and excellence in emergency care.
Among those attending was Joe Palumbo, who suddenly collapsed during a tennis match at Coverdale Tennis Club in Cobourg in May 2025. Bystanders immediately began CPR, coached by dispatch Ambulance Communications Officers. When paramedics and firefighters arrived, they took over Joe’s care, with firefighters assisting with chest compressions while paramedics delivered advanced lifesaving interventions. Thanks to all involved – from the first caller to the first responders – Joe’s heart finally started beating again, before he was transported to the hospital for further care.
One month later, Joe returned to the tennis club to join club officials in accepting an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) for the facility, donated by paramedics. And last night, he joined officials onstage to present certificates of honour to the first responders involved in his care.
“Every cardiac arrest is a powerful reminder that outcomes are shaped in the moments that follow.
Whether it’s a family member or bystander starting CPR, a dispatcher providing instructions over the phone, or first responders working together at the scene, every action plays an important role when seconds matter most,” said Northumberland Paramedics Chief Susan Brown. “Survivor Night gives us an opportunity to recognize that teamwork, honour the dedication of everyone involved in the response, and reconnect with individuals whose lives have been profoundly impacted by that care.”
Since its inception, Survivor Night has recognized the people and partnerships involved in cardiac arrest response, sharing stories that reflect the possibilities created by timely intervention and coordinated care. The annual ceremony also reinforces the importance of recognizing cardiac arrest, calling 9-1-1 and starting CPR immediately.
“Survivor Night reminds us that behind every emergency response is a team of dedicated professionals and community members working together to help others in their time of greatest need,” said Northumberland County Warden Bob Crate. “As we mark the 11th annual ceremony, we recognize the skill, compassion and professionalism demonstrated by first responders in their work, the courage of bystanders jumping into action, and the stories of survivors, who remind us what these collective efforts make possible: more time, more moments and more memories with the people who matter most.”
Photo attached
(Left to Right): Glenda McElwain (Lindsay CACC), Allyssa Bowen (Lindsay CACC), Dexter Barrett (Northumberland Paramedics), Joe Palumbo (Survivor), Brooklin Raven (Northumberland Paramedics), Christian O’Neill (Northumberland Paramedics), Matthew Diminie (Cobourg Fire Department), Brody Waller (Cobourg Fire Department), Scott MacDonald (Cobourg Fire Department).
First Responders recognized
Brighton Fire Department
Adam McCurdy
Adam Walsh
Andrew Hutchinson
Deeanna Gerow
Dominik Lagace
Emma Moon
John Mifsud
Ken Robertson
Kory Hietala
Olivia McMurray
Paige Jeffreys
Paul Martin
Stephanie Lubig
Cobourg Fire Department
Andrew Hardy
Brody Waller
Chris Post
Daniel Lagrois
Darren Goodwin
Jack Dillon
Jeff Briggs
Matthew Diminie
Mitchell Blair
Nigel Hall
Patrick Wilson
Rachel Dunbrack
Sorab Bulsara
Scott MacDonald
Steve Lagani
Cobourg Police Services
Joel Rashotte
Cramahe Fire Department
Chris Watton
Mike McMurray
Hamilton Fire Department
Kevin Cameron
Nick Kennedy
Scott Hie
Tyler Corvers
Lindsay Central Ambulance Communications Centre
Allyssa Bowen
Anna Charlton
Ashley Howard
Ben Strating
Brooke Jewell
Carissa McQuade
Deanna Marucio
Glenda McElwain
Janice Dunigan
Jean Langsford
Jesse Lappan
Jordan Gannon-Lean
Josh Eldridge
Kathryn Heard
Maggie Denney
Michelle Holmes
Molly Burt
Nicole Paquette
Paige Cooke
Peyton Forbes
Sandi McLeod
Shelley Harrison
Star Rutherford
Sydney Lodwick
Tamara Kimball
Tammy Lockwood
Northumberland OPP Detachment
Amit Kumar
Brandon Malcolm
Darryl Meyers
Northumberland Paramedics
Abby Todd
Anna DeKleer (former County paramedic)
Ava Patterson
Bob Cranley
Bobby Harris
Brooklin Raven
Bryan Brockbank
Cameron Kendall
Christian O’Neill
Christipher Hopkins
Christine Bruhm
Dan Dulmage
Dexter Barrett
Emery McLaughlin (former County paramedic)
Emily Lloyd
Erin Gregus
Galen Burrows
Greg Donnan
Hannah Han (former County paramedic)
Hayley Martin
Heidi Brown
Jacob Platanitis
Jaden Leblanc
James Sandzuik
Joseph Fleming
Joseph Sakuma
Justin Fraser
Kayla Baggaley
Kevin Payne (former County paramedic)
Laurie McKenna
Lexus Rocha
Matthew Rollwagen
Mike Stumpf
Molly Matwey
Morgan Steinmiller (former County paramedic)
Nick Kennedy
Rob Woollard
Ronni Williams
Sarah Buckle
Sarah Ghey
Shea Eddison
Stephanie Lubig
Steven Nurse
Tamara Perron
Taylor Janevski
Taylor Ward-Forrester
Thomas Muzik
Tiffany Storms-Stoakley
Zack Caddick
Port Hope Fire Department
Abigail Teno
Allison Mullins
Claire Rowden
Hayley Mugford
Stephen O’Neil
Port Hope Police
Michael Worts
Trent Hills Fire Department
Allison Gratton
Brian Buchanan
Charlie Murphy
Emerson Durcak
Ian LeBlanc
Jennifer Greenly
Jon Trotter
Kyle Finch
Liam Glovier
Mateusz Swoboda
Noah Robertson
Paul Dawson
Shawn Jamieson
Victor Balas
Author: Pete Fisher
Has been a photojournalist for over 30-years and have been honoured to win numerous awards for photography and writing over the years. Best selling author for the book Highway of Heroes - True Patriot Love
