STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Tears were shed, hugs were shared and heroes were honored Wednesday morning at a ceremony commemorating those responsible for saving the life of a retired firefighter who’d suffered a heart attack while driving.
New York’s Bravest serve the city, aiding those in need without a moment’s hesitation, but on Aug. 3, 2022, it was retired firefighter John Deliso in need of assistance.
On that day, at around 3 p.m., Deliso was making his way westbound on the Belt Parkway when he suffered a heart attack. The medical emergency sent Deliso’s vehicle careening into the divider between exits 14 and 15.
Port Authority Sgt. Kenneth Harris, left, retired Firefighter John Deliso, center, and Raymond Poncedeleon are shown at the ceremony at the Engine 152/Battalion 21 firehouse in Rosebank on Wednesday, Nov. 8, 2023. (Staten Island Advance / Luke Peteley)(Staten Island Advance / Luke Peteley)
At the same time, Port Authority Sgt. Kenneth Harris was making his way back from JFK Airport when he noticed a number of panicked civilians at the scene of the crash. Together with good Samaritan Raymond Poncedeleon, Harris was able to remove Deliso, who had no pulse. Harris hastily put in a call over the radio before beginning CPR along with Poncedeleon.
“It seemed like a long time, we kept on working on him,” Poncedeleon recalled. “I did mouth to mouth . . . God gave us the strength to put air in his lungs to bring him back alive.”
Engine 290 arrived on the scene and assisted Harris, who called for an AED; he administered two shocks to Deliso, who then showed a slight pulse. EMS personnel then transported Deliso to Brookdale hospital in Brooklyn, where he received stents to clear a 100% blockage and remained in a coma for two weeks. Deliso eventually returned home to begin his slow, but full, recovery.
Port Authority Sgt. Kenneth Harris embraces Firefighter John Deliso at the ceremony at the Engine 152/Battalion 21 firehouse in Rosebank on Wednesday, Nov….
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