Any other young teenager who came across a bleeding man lying motionless on the ground at a car wash might have pulled out his cellphone to capture the gory scene.
But not Richard Blackwell.
The 13-year-old Blackwell did grab his phone, but only to call 911 before running to flag down a passing police officer to provide help.
"When I called 911, they told us there was no police officers in the area," he recounted Thursday afternoon. "So, when I seen a police officer, I just knew I had to go get him."
And for that gesture, Blackwell was honored at the Clinton Township Police Department along with Sgt. Paul Collins, the officer he flagged down. The two were feted as heroes for teaming up to save the life of Eddie Fortuna.
Blackwell and his cousin happened upon Fortuna who collapsed from a cardiac arrest at an an area car wash on Harper Avenue near Quinn Road in July. Fortuna was found unconscious, bleeding from the head, and not breathing.
Blackwell saw the officer, who was on his way to another call, and ran over to the patrol vehicle to request help.
According to police and witnesses the officer pulled over and rushed to begin performing chest compressions, CPR and other life-saving measures for about a minute before Fortuna began to breathe again.
Fortuna 55, an automotive retail sales manager, was treated on the scene by paramedics from the township fire department who happened to be nearby before he was transported by MedStar Ambulance to McLaren Macomb hospital.
Doctors initially thought Fortuna was going to die. The prognosis was so dismal, a priest was called to the hospital for administer his last rites. But over the course of three weeks, he recuperated to the point where he has made a total recovery.
"The doctors told me I was clinically dead for 14 minutes," he said.
At Thursday's event, Fortuna thanked the teen for his "unwavering courage and quick thinking that saved my life. You sprang into action and became a true superhero. Your decisive intervention is the sole reason I'm here today."
Blackwell, of Detroit and attends Oak Park Preparatory School in Oakland County, and Collins were named in a lifesaving award presented by the police department. Also receiving recognition were Clinton Township firefighters Brian Molnar, Sean Dalton and Lt. David Giovannini,
Both the officer and Fortuna said the incident had an emotional impact on them. Collins said he has spoken with Fortuna several times since the incident, talking about family and life.
"In my 24 years of law enforcement this was one of the most compelling thing that every happened to me on the job, I'll tell you that" Collins said.
The teen was asked what was going through his mind as he watched the officer's efforts.
"I hope he stays alive" Blackwell said.
Relatives of the teen gathered with police officers and township officials at the police department to congratulate the two. They also gave thanks that Fortuna had made a miraculous recovery.
The youngster's parents, Richard Blackwell Sr. and LaShana Smith, said they tried to instill helpful values in their children.
"We've raised them to treat people how you want to be treated, that if someone is in need of help, help them because you would want them to help you if were in need," Smith said.
His proud father agreed.
"You hear so much negativity on the news on a regular basis, but this is eye-opening and makes your heart feel warm," Mr. Blackwell said. "Something like this, a young Black man instead of jumping on his cellphone, taking pictures jumps into action.
"It shows me that there are shining and bright moments."
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