Photo: From left, Belmont Police Officer Marco D’Andrea receiving a Lifesaving Award from Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac for his heroic efforts on Thursday, Feb. 9. (Photo courtesy of the Belmont Police Department)

Belmont Police Chief James MacIsaac awarded BPD Officer Marco D’Andrea the department’s Lifesaving Award on Feb. 15 following his actions during a sporting event while he was off duty. 

“Our officers are sworn to protect and serve, and that commitment extends beyond their time in uniform, as Officer D’Andrea showed,” said MacIsaac who presented

D’Andrea was recognized for his actions that occurred on Thursday, Feb. 9. While off-duty at a soccer match in Belmont High School’s Wenner Field House, D’Andrea acted to assist a fellow player who suffered a medical emergency.

The 62-year-old man, who wishes to remain anonymous, collapsed while participating in the soccer match. D’Andrea took immediate action by ensuring Belmont EMS was called before beginning to perform CPR. He instructed a bystander with retrieving an automatic external defibrillator (AED) and used it on the patient.

After the AED was used, the patient regained consciousness. On-duty first responders arrived on the scene and provided additional care until Belmont firefighters arrived and transported the man to a hospital.

“We are all proud of his quick thinking and calm actions, and grateful that an AED was available as a resource, which helped save the life of a fellow participant that day,” said MacIsaac.