“A hero is someone who does what must be done, and needs no other reason.”
CHRISTOPHER GOLDEN & NANCY HOLDEN
I was sitting at my desk here at City Hall, giving thought to what I might share with all of you in this week’s “Mayor’s Message,” when a staff member informed me that she had just received a call from a resident who noted a life-saving act fostered by one of our Darien residents. After calling Ms. Lisa Czepiel, and confirming the details of her story, I felt there was good reason to share this act with all of our Darien community.
On Saturday, May 27, a man was out running with a friend in Waterfall Glen, when, after traveling one mile, he stopped and collapsed on the path. His friend, noticing that he was in distress, called for help. Stephanie Koklys, a Darien resident was also out on the path that morning when she came across the man in distress, and immediately took action by calling 911 and then administering CPR. According to the paramedics who later arrived at the scene, without her intervention, the downed runner may not have survived. While we do not have detailed information regarding his condition, we know that he is receiving proper treatment.
Over the last several weeks, I have written about individuals who step out of their “bubble,” and take actions that contribute to the betterment of our world or our Darien community. The actions of Stephanie Koklys on May 27 were surely the action of someone who acted instinctively as she came across a situation that demanded immediate attention. Lisa Czepiel, the resident who shared this occurrence with me feels strongly that Stephanie is, in her estimation, a “hero,” and I agree, believing that her action can best be described in a quote by Christopher Golden and Nancy Holden that states, “A hero is someone who does what must be done, and needs no other reason.” Stephanie Koklys would probably describe her action as something anyone might due under the same circumstances, while many of us look upon her actions as those of a hero.
There is a gentleman who will have an opportunity to continue his life, to get up in the morning, see his family, work at his job and hopefully enjoy a bright future. He has that opportunity, due to the unselfish actions of an individual who saw a need to become involved and followed her instincts. We thank Stephanie Koklys for her response to an emergency on May 27; her actions, and the actions of others like her are what makes Darien a wonderful community, and a nice place to live.
