The actions of two DPD Officers were recently highlighted in the Spring/Summer 2026 East Caln Township Newsletter. Sergeant Scott Neuhaus and Officer Harvel Brown were issued Lifesaving Awards for an incident that they responded to in March 2024. They, along with Downingtown Fire & EMS, all responded to the YMCA Pickleball Center in East Caln Township for an adult male who was in cardiac arrest. Sergeant Neuhaus arrived within 3 minutes of dispatch and was followed closely by Officer Brown. Bystanders had initiated cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). The officers confirmed that the male was in cardiac arrest, and Sergeant Neuhaus applied an automated external defibrillator (AED) and continued cardio-pulmonary resuscitation (CPR). During care, the patient received shocks from the AED before the arrival of Downingtown Fire & EMS. Officers then continued to assist EMS with CPR until the patient was transferred to an ambulance.

The male was then taken to a local hospital for further treatment. After a hospital stay for recovery, the patient returned home. An evaluation of the data from the AED revealed that the patient had experienced ventricular fibrillation. This life-threatening condition results in sudden cardiac arrest, leading to loss of consciousness, lack of pulse, and cessation of breathing within minutes if not treated immediately with defibrillation. After a hospital stay for recovery, the patient returned home.

The outcome was made possible by excellent care from Sergeant Neuhaus and Officer Brown and was enhanced by Downingtown Fire & EMS. Last Fall, Chief Brazunas and the East Caln Township Board of Supervisors recognized the Sergeant and Officer for their personal initiative, alertness, dedication to duty, and professional actions, which resulted in a coordinated effort to save a human life, noting that their life-saving actions are a testament to the dedication and professionalism of the Downingtown Police Department.