Madison Police Officers receive Lifesaving Medal

For some of us, getting the email notification that we won’t be going in to work due to weather is a welcome alert on our phones. But for Sgt. Ricardo McCants, Officer Jeff Landrom, and Officer Shannon DeFazio, that alert doesn’t apply. On February 16, 2021, just after these three Madison police officers reported for duty with the prediction of an approaching winter storm, getting a weather day was the last thing on their minds. However, for Madison resident Chris Snipes and his wife Tracy, the morning that started as an icy day off was extraordinary beyond any snow storm that could have been predicted. 

On a normal day, Chris would have been headed to the gym and then on to work as a Program Manager for the U.S. Army. But on this icy, cold morning, he was in his kitchen when he suddenly collapsed. Hearing him fall, Tracy ran to his aid and found him unresponsive on the floor. She immediately dialed 911 and began chest compressions on her husband of 25 years. Brief minutes become what seems like hours waiting to hear the wail of sirens bringing help but Tracy continued CPR until Madison Police Officers arrived. Officer Jeff Landrom immediately jumped into action and Tracy recalls that when she looked around and “saw the size of his arms”, she knew her husband was in good hands. Without hesitation, Officer Landrum, Officer Shannon DeFazio, and Sgt. Ricardo McCants began lifesaving measures to keep Chris alive until HEMSI and Madison Fire and Rescue personnel could arrive on scene. 

Chris was loaded into an ambulance and transported to the hospital where he was placed on “hypothermic protocol” for two days allowing his heart to recover from the episode of ventricular fibrillation that almost took his life. After three days under this protocol, Chris was finally able to Zoom call with his wife. He still has no recollection of any of the events that occurred on February 16. 

Officers Landrum and DeFazio and Sgt. McCants were starting their shift when this 911 call for help came in thirty minutes after they signed on for the day. Officer Landrom recalls replaying the entire call in his head and worrying if he had “done it all right”. Tracy Snipes says, he definitely did everything right and just his calm presence brought her peace and confidence in his abilities. As Chris was transported to the hospital that icy morning, Officer Landrom drove Tracy to the hospital not knowing if his efforts had been successful or if he might be driving into a situation that was even more difficult. As it turns out, the efforts of Tracy, the 911 call taker, MPD officers, Madison Fire and Rescue, and HEMSI personnel all worked together seamlessly to get Chris to the hospital where he received lifesaving care. 

On Monday, March 1, 2021, a mere 13 days after surviving a near fatal cardiac emergency, Chris and Tracy Snipes came into the Madison Police Department to show their gratitude and appreciation to the officers credited with saving Chris’ life. It is not often that officers get to see the benefit of their commitment and hard work, but on this day, it was very clear that their training and dedication paid off.  

The Madison Police Department was honored to present Officer Jeff Landrom, Officer Shannon DeFazio, and Sgt. Ricardo McCants with a Lifesaving Medal at the City Council meeting held March 8, 2021.
Thank you to Chris and Tracy Snipes for allowing us the privilege of serving you and sharing your story.

9 Mar · Subscribers of Madison Police Department in General