22/07/2025
City of Owosso Celebrates Its 1st Responders and Community Members In Saving A Local Man's Life.
The City of Owosso posted Tuesday...
On June 14, 2025, Owosso resident Frank Livingston suffered a sudden cardiac arrest while walking with his friend Linda Robertson. Thanks to the heroic actions of neighbors, dispatchers, police, fire personnel, and a paramedic intern, Frank is alive today to personally thank those who saved his life.
It began when his neighbor Linda Robertson called Shiawassee County Central Dispatch after Frank collapsed. While dispatching emergency responders, Supervisor Jenny Plowman, Dispatcher Janelle Sines, and Dispatcher Emily Walker calmly coached Linda through CPR over the phone while simultaneously dispatching fire and police units to the emergency.
Passing motorist Sylvia Hines saw the emergency, pulled over, and began chest compressions—guided step by step by the dispatchers. Moments later, Owosso Police Officer Ryan Gracz arrived and continued lifesaving efforts.
The Owosso Fire Department then arrived, led by Lt. Don Lound, along with Firefighters Dan Miller, Alivia Ruwart, Layne Little, and Alexis Budd. Riding with the department that day was Mauricio Barrera, a paramedic intern from Lansing Community College, serving as the lead paramedic under Firefighter/Paramedic Dan Miller.
Mauricio performed flawlessly under pressure: confirming cardiac arrest, applying the Lucas CPR device and defibrillator, identifying ventricular fibrillation (V-Fib).
Frank was transported to Memorial Healthcare, and today, he is standing tall and grateful—because of the unwavering teamwork and commitment shown that day.
On July 22, 2025 an awards ceremony was held to recognize these first responders for their lifesaving work. Frank Livingston was there to meet and thank the first responders.
🏅 AWARDS & RECOGNITION 🏅
Presented by: Shiawassee Central Dispatch/Emergency 911:
✨ Life Saving Awards to
• Supervisor Jenny Plowman
• Dispatcher Janelle Sines
• Dispatcher Emily Walker
Presented by the City of Owosso:
✨ Life Saving Awards to
• Lt. Don Lound
• Firefighters Dan Miller, Alivia Ruwart, Layne Little, Alexis Budd
📜 Certificate of Recognition to
• Officer Ryan Gracz, for his role in the early response and CPR efforts
Chief of Public Safety Commendation:
🌟 Sylvia Hines – for stepping in and performing CPR
🌟 Mauricio Barrera – for his lifesaving efforts
📣 Mayor Rob Teich shared:
“We are so proud of the first responders, dispatchers, and citizens who came together that day. Their dedication saved a life.”
📣 Public Safety Chief Kevin Lenkart added:
“The quick actions of our dispatchers, the courage of Sylvia Hines who stopped to help, and the teamwork of our police and fire departments were instrumental. This was public safety at its very best.”
💙 This moment highlights the very best of Owosso—neighbors helping neighbors, and public servants answering the call with skill, urgency, and heart.
Photo: City of Owosso.
