Heart Attack Survivor Returns to Springfield to Thank Fire and Rescue for Saving His Life

David Klepper from Lancaster, Pa., will have a celebratory dinner with the Fairfax County Fire and Rescue crews from Station 22 in Springfield Monday evening to thank them for saving his life back in November. He will return with his spouse and three children to personally thank the first responders.

On Nov. 28, 2012, Klepper was working out at a Springfield hotel when he started experiencing chest pains around 10: 30 p.m., according to the news release. Klepper dialed 911 for help, and crews arrived within minutes and began providing resuscitation and continued critical emergency treatment.

During the incident, firefighters and paramedics used an Automatic External Defibrillator, continued CPR and established an IV when they arrived. Klepper was then transported to INOVA Fairfax Hospital for further treatment.

Klepper's children wrote thank you letters to the crews; however, the children insisted that their father allow them to thank the first responders in person. Fire Chief Richie Bowers will also be in attendance during Monday's dinner celebration.