Saved by the ones he leads: A fire chief’s story of survival, CPR, and the power of community
KALAMAZOO, Mich. Oct. 14, 2025 - For most of his career, Johnstown Township Fire Chief Chris Jozwik has been the one leading the charge into emergencies —always remaining steady, calm and prepared. But on Nov. 25, 2024, it was Jozwik’s life that hung in the balance.
That evening, Jozwik was preparing to head to a meeting at the fire station. He had just stepped inside to say goodbye to his wife when he suddenly felt strange. “I don’t feel right,” he told her before gasping for air. In that terrifying moment, his wife’s instincts took over. She dialed 911, secured the house and gently lowered her husband to the floor to begin CPR.
What she didn’t know then was that their daughter and son-in-law — both members of the Johnstown Township Fire Department — were just minutes away. Hearing the tones for the call, they rushed to the house, arriving in less than two minutes. There, in the most unthinkable of circumstances, they began CPR on their own father and fire chief who was in cardiac arrest.
Within moments, more of Jozwik’s crew arrived. They inserted an airway, applied the AED, and deployed an Autopulse device that provided automated chest compressions. For 20 long minutes, Jozwik’s brothers and sisters in service worked tirelessly, delivering shocks and refusing to give up. Soon after, a Lifecare Ambulance arrived, first responders administered medication, and finally Jozwik’s pulse returned.
But Jozwik’s fight was far from over despite his team’s heroism. On the way to the hospital, his heart stopped again, and another shock was required to bring him back. Jozwik was taken to Bronson Battle Creek Hospital and later continued treatment at Borgess. In the hospital, Jozwik endured dialysis, days on a ventilator, and procedures to stabilize his heart. For weeks his family and department held their breath. Yet slowly, he recovered. By mid-January, he was strong enough to return to work on light duty. And in April, after receiving a pacemaker, Jozwik was finally able to return without restrictions.
Looking back, Jozwik insists this story is not just about him — it’s about everyone who stepped in that night. His wife, his daughter and son-in-law, the Johnstown Township Fire Department, Lifecare Ambulance, and the teams at two hospitals. “If it was not for early CPR, I would not be here today,” said Jozwik.
Today, Jozwik is sharing his story as a testament to the power of training and preparation. Every member of the Johnstown Fire Department is CPR certified through the American Heart Association, and Jozwik is determined to see more families trained. “If we could get at least one person per household trained in CPR, the outcome would be much different,” said Jozwik.
This fall, Jozwik and his department will join the American Heart Association’s Kalamazoo Heart Walk on Oct. 25 to celebrate Jozwik’s survival and drive a vision of a community where every life has a chance. Jozwik and his team remain grateful for the training that saved the chief, husband, and father.
The American Heart Association reports that 9 out of 10 Americans who suffer cardiac arrest outside of the hospital do not survive. Chris is a part of the lucky 10% who received lifesaving CPR. The American Heart Association, Kalamazoo hopes to encourage more stories like Jozwik’s by encouraging CPR and AED education locally and nationwide. Join us at the Kalamazoo Heart Walk at Homer Stryker Field starting at 9 a.m. for a family-friendly walk featuring Hands-Only CPR education, survivor celebrations and community engagement. For more information and to register for this free event go to http://www2.heart.org/kalamazooheartwalk.
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About the American Heart Association
The American Heart Association is a relentless force for a world of longer, healthier lives. Dedicated to ensuring equitable health in all communities, the organization has been a leading source of health information for more than one hundred years. Supported by more than 35 million volunteers globally, we fund groundbreaking research, advocate for the public’s health, and provide critical resources to save and improve lives affected by cardiovascular disease and stroke. By driving breakthroughs and implementing proven solutions in science, policy, and care, we work tirelessly to advance health and transform lives every day. Connect with us on heart.org, Facebook, X or by calling 1-800-AHA-USA1.
For Media Inquiries:
Remi Monaghan: remi.monaghan@heart.org
For Public Inquiries: 1-800-AHA-USA1 (242-8721)
heart.org and stroke.org
