Simpsonville Officers Honored for Life-Saving Cardiac Responses

Three Simpsonville Police Department officers were recognized last Thursday at the Greenville County EMS Cardiac Survivors Award Ceremony for their heroic actions in successfully resuscitating cardiac arrest victims in 2025. Sgt. Rayburn, Officer Gleaton, and Officer Calzone each received honors for their quick thinking and life-saving skills in the field.

The annual ceremony, hosted by Greenville County EMS, recognizes first responders whose actions in cardiac emergencies resulted in survivors — a testament to the critical role law enforcement plays alongside EMS in emergency medical response.

Cardiac arrest can strike without warning, and in those moments, the difference between life and death often comes down to the minutes before an ambulance arrives. Law enforcement officers are frequently the first on scene, making their training in CPR and automated external defibrillator (AED) use a vital layer in the chain of survival.

According to the American Heart Association, effective bystander CPR, provided immediately after cardiac arrest, can double or triple a victim’s chance of survival. Every minute without CPR reduces survival odds by roughly 10 percent, which means the actions of officers like those honored Thursday are not just commendable — they are irreplaceable.

Community members are encouraged to consider learning CPR. Courses are widely available through the American Heart Association, the American Red Cross, and many local hospitals and fire departments. Hands-only CPR, which requires no mouth-to-mouth contact, has been shown to be effective for adult cardiac arrest victims and takes only a short time to learn.

The Simpsonville Police Department congratulated Sgt. Rayburn, Officer Gleaton, and Officer Calzone on the recognition, which reflects the department’s commitment to serving the community in every capacity — including when lives hang in the balance.