To the editor:
At the Aug. 21 Freeholder Work Session, the Bergen County Freeholder Board recognized Montvale resident Laureana Organ with a commendation and award for her recent lifesaving actions.
Ms. Organ is an employee for the Bergen County Department of Human Services and has been working at the county for 17 years.
On July 12, Ms. Organ was at her desk when a co-worker began to choke from a piece of food. It was apparent to Ms. Organ that her co-worker was in distress and couldn’t breathe. Ms. Organ sprang in to action by calling 9-1-1 and then performed the Heimlich maneuver on her co-worker. This dislodged the piece of food and her co-worker was able to breathe normally again.
This all took place before the first responders arrived on the scene, thus providing vital aide while they were in route. In a situation where every second counts, Ms. Organ’s actions were integral in saving the life of a co-worker.
An important component of this event must be shared: Ms. Organ’s CPR and Heimlich training was provided free of charge by the County of Bergen. This training demonstrates Bergen County Administration’s investment not only in the welfare of its employees but also the public in general. Clearly, this investment has paid a remarkable dividend
Said Bergen County Freeholder Thomas J. Sullivan, “It’s always an incredible story when someone takes action to save or protect the life of another and Laureana deserves full credit for that. Knowing that our employees have the courage and confidence to take such action as a result of the training they receive as a county employee, solidifies how great a workplace Bergen County is.”
Brian Clancy
Aide to Bergen County Freeholder Thomas J. Sullivan
Sullivan served on Montvale’s Borough Council 2005–2008