Ishpeming City Council honors 5 people who helped save lives

Five Marquette County residents were given awards for saving a life tonight by the Ishpeming City Council.

The group used several measures including a portable defibulator to save the life of heart attack victim Joel Youngblood of Ishpeming.

Recognized were two city policemen, Sgt. Brandon Nylander and officer Corey Gaboury. Retired state trooper Bob O’Connor, bystander Jocelyn Todd, and Debbie Gronvall, an employee of Rare Earth Goods in Ishpeming, were also honored. All five were onhand during the incident on July 15.

“Between All of the people involved, Bob O’Connor gave Mr. Youngblood rescue breathes,” said Ishpeming Police Chief Dan Willey. “Sgt. Nylander gave (Youngblood) chest compressions and Corey Gaboury operated our A.E.D. (automated external defibrillator). Mr. Youngblood was shocked a couple of times and got his heart beat back.”

“They gave me heart compressions, it lasted for six weeks, the pain,” heart attack survivor Joel Youngblood joked while holding chest. “But, I am still alive today. I very much appreciate their efforts and all the people of Marquette County should be very happy with these individuals.”

Three of the heroes were on hand for the ceremony, and all received applause and great thanks from the city council.