Off-duty Newburyport officer credited with saving man's life after crash

NEWBURYPORT, Mass. -- A Newburyport police officer was honored this week for saving the life of a driver who suffered a medical emergency on the road.

Lt. Matthew Simons, who was off duty heading to his child's basketball game last month, noticed another driver slowly veering off the road in Groveland, then suddenly accelerating, jumping the curb and crashing into a utility pole.

Simons told his wife to call 911, while he jumped out of his car and ran to help the 57-year-old Georgetown man in distress.

"I took the seatbelt off, opened the door up and pulled him out and again checked his vitals. He definitely was not breathing. He did not have a pulse," said Simons, who is his department's CPR instructor. "I did a cycle of CPR, probably about 60 seconds, and he took a big breath. It’s what’s known as an agonal respiration. It’s a sign of life, but it’s not enough to sustain life."

Simons continued chest compressions as Groveland Police Sgt. Eric Gorski, Groveland Det. Steve Petrone and Georgetown Police Sgt. Kevin DeFeo arrived and administered a defibrillator. The officers were able to restore a pulse, and the victim was rushed to the hospital. He is currently still being treated but is expected to recover.

In two ceremonies Monday, all four officers were honored for saving a life, receiving citations from Gov. Charlie Baker, Sen. Kathleen O'Connor Ives, Rep. James Kelcourse and the Groveland Board of Selectmen.

Simons told Boston 25 News he simply happened to be "in the right place at the right time."

Simons received a call from the victim's mother thanking him for his quick actions.

"It was a day full of miracles, as she put it, and I’m just happy for the outcome most of all," Simons said. "I’ve done CPR a number of times. Throughout your career... all police officers and first responders do. Anytime you’re able to get an outcome like this, it’s a bonus."

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