Manzano was able to unlock the vehicle and he checked on Garfield’s condition, finding he had no pulse and had stopped breathing.Manzano started CPR and chest compressions, joined by Casparro who also gave Garfield mouth-to-mouth resuscitation; they continued to work on Garfield until the arrival of paramedics and fire department EMTs, Sgt. Cordero noted.It was later learned that Garfield was suffering from Hepatitis B and E-coli, which caused him to go into full arrest: Casparro was aware of his illness but still administered CPR, which required her to later undergo a series of shots to protect from the Hepatitis B virus, said Sgt. Cordero. “Manzano, unaware of Mr. Garfield’s health problems, proceeded to come to the aid of a stranger without regard for his own health.”Sgt. Cordero said that due to “their unselfish and courageous actions, their disregard for their own safety and health in the time of helping others in need, Mr. Garfield credits both Ms. Casparro and Mr. Manzano for saving his life.”Tickets for the dinner are $35 each; cocktails will be at 6 p.m., the dinner at 7 p.m. with the awards to follow.For more information or to purchase tickets, contact Sgt. Cordero at 933-4277.
Casparro, Manzano to be honored with Citizens Medal of Merit
March 20, 2002
Santa Paula News
Two Santa Paulans will be honored by the Police Officers Association of Ventura County (POAVC) for their quick reactions to an emergency involving a former city mayor.
By Peggy KellySanta Paula TimesTwo Santa Paulans will be honored by the Police Officers Association of Ventura County (POAVC) for their quick reactions to an emergency involving a former city mayor.Patti Casparro and Rocky Manzano will receive the POAVC Citizens Medal of Merit during the association’s annual gala dinner to be held April 20 at the Marriott at River Ridge in Oxnard.Casparro and Manzano were nominated for the award by Santa Paula Police Sgt. Ismael Cordero, a POAVC director.Jim Garfield, a former mayor and the owner of Cal-West Real Estate on East Main Street, left his office on Feb. 23, said Sgt. Cordero. “He was extremely ill; when he got into his vehicle and put it in reverse, his whole body shut down rendering him unconscious and on the verge of death.”Garfield’s vehicle started moving in reverse and finally hit a brick wall. His employees observed what had occurred and while they phoned 911 Casparro ran to Garfield’s vehicle and attempted to open the door, but due to its automatic locks she was unable to gain entry.“At the same time, Rocky Manzano - who was in the intersection in his own vehicle - saw what was going on and immediately went to the aid,” of Garfield and Casparro. After failing to gain entry to the vehicle, Manzano “picked up a nearby brick and broke the rear right passenger window,” said Sgt. Cordero.
