In memory of her late husband, Joan Kizer and her family and friends pitched in to purchase an automated external defibrillator for the Warsaw-Wayne Fire Territory. Today, the AED unit was presented to the WWFT.

“I’m certain Jack would be pleased with this tribute to his memory,” said Joan Kizer in making the presentation to WWFT Chief Mike Brubaker and Warsaw Mayor Joe Thallemer today.

Joan lost her husband, Jack, but was so pleased with the attention WWFT first responders provided him, she asked what kind of equipment the department needed and how she could help. With the city looking to build a third fire station south of town, the AED unit came as a welcome gift.

An AED is a portable electronic device that is the only effective treatment for restoring a regular heart rhythm during sudden cardiac arrest. According to the American Red Cross, sudden cardiac arrest is one of the leading causes of death in the U.S. Over 350,000 people will suffer from sudden cardiac arrest this year.

Brubaker said the Phillips AED unit donated by the Kizer family will be used on Engine 3 for the south station. “It actually works out perfect,” he added. The WWFT now has 5 AED units.