By Christine Dempsey
New Haven Register, Conn.
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — Six months after surviving a “cardiac event,” thanks to the quick thinking of his 9-year-old daughter, a North Haven police officer is back on the job, police said.
Officer Alex Sinanis lost consciousness and stopped breathing in November. His daughter, Analia, called 911 to get help and began life-saving efforts.
“She was the first of many people, including police, fire, EMS, and hospital staff, who played a role in Alex’s recovery, but none of it happens if Analia doesn’t make that brave call,” the department said in a Facebook post Monday, the day he returned to work.
“Today we celebrate more than Cinco De Mayo ,” police said.
Sinanis is spending the week at the shooting range helping recruits during firearms training, they said.
As of early Tuesday, the post was shared 63 times and had more than 200 celebratory comments congratulating Sinanis on his return and his daughter on her quick-thinking.
“Congrats Alex! Welcome back!!,” said one writer. “Analia you did a great job! I know it was scary but you did exactly as you were taught and saved your dad! I don’t know you but I’m so proud of you!!”
The Board of Police Commissioners honored Analia and all the others who came to Alex Sinanis’ aid at a February ceremony.
In February, Sinanis said he was in cardiac arrest that day and easily could have been brain-dead by the time outside help arrived.
Analia had been watching television with her sister but called 911 when he lost consciousness. She found herself on the phone with dispatcher Mike Zona , who told her how to do CPR, she said in February.
“There was one point where he passed out. He was breathing a little,” Analia said. “That’s when I called 911 — and the person said to push on his chest.”
Several police officers arrived first, followed quickly by several firefighters, some of whom were paramedics. The first one there — just under a minute-and-a-half after Analia dialed 911 — was patrol Officer Joseph Bianchi , whom Sinanis had trained years ago, Sinanis said.
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Reporting by Mark Zaretsky was used for this story.
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