Award Nomination

David Zullo EMT-P, RN was cutting his grass in his back yard when he heard an electrical explosion arc and looked up to see a young man being electrocuted as he worked hanging the iron form to the roof of a two story building . The I beam the man was guiding into place was hanging from a crane which contacted a high energy power line. David responded immediately on foot running about 40 yards to the work site, climbing up a ladder and dangerously shimmying out on an I beam approx. 8 inches wide (with no safety harness and about 20-30ft above the concrete floor) risking probable death from a fall or possible electrocution.  I understand from the paramedic supervisor who arrived on scene that David Zullo was up on these beams for about 20 - 30 minutes supporting the weight (muscles straining the entire time) of the injured man to prevent him from falling to his death. The paramedics and fire department used a crane like lift box machine to reach up under this injured man and lower him to the ground for paramedics to transport.  David Zullo responded off duty with no duty to act and risked his life via electrocution or fall just to increase this man's chance for survival.  

Amazingly, I found out that this injured man was good friends with my own son via his family's friendships etc.   I myself have known David for over 20 years and was a paramedic partner of his for years in our early careers as paramedics. David is also a former marine and expects no recognition for acts like this. He and I both know we have a duty to use our skills to help all in need under circumstances like this.  There is no doubt in my mind that David will continue to respond like this in any and every situation in which someone's life hangs in the balance or someone is injured and needs help. 

David works as a nurse for the V.A. and maintains paramedic certification, and volunteers as a New Orleans Police Reservist as he wants to be part of the solution in rebuilding New Orleans in its most dangerous times.  He places his life on the line (in the murder capitol of the US for two years in a row) just because he knows he can make a difference every day that he is on the streets serving the community. For these reasons I feel David Thomas Zullo deserves the highest award that he can receive from Cherokee.

By the way, the young man survived weeks in the burn unit at Baton Rouge General, despite little hope for survival and has returned home to his family as a very vital and functional young man

Back To Top | Back To Recipients Page