When Gary Shultz’s car was involved in a crash on Main Street west of Green Street on April 14, 2026, he went into cardiac arrest — and it was four ordinary bystanders who acted first, starting CPR before Brownsburg Fire Territory crews or Brownsburg Police Department officers ever reached the scene. Months later, Shultz stood before those same rescuers and handed them lifesaving awards for what they did that day.
According to a statement from Brownsburg Fire Territory, witnesses Howard Stermer, Kristin Burton, Malorie Ward, and Dr. Ashwani Sharma recognized something was seriously wrong with Shultz and immediately began CPR before any responders arrived. Brownsburg Police Department officers arrived shortly after dispatch and continued lifesaving efforts, including deploying an automated external defibrillator, with Officer Heather Foote and Officer Eustace Mlagan recognizing the need for the device. When fire territory crews arrived, they took over care from the officers, continuing resuscitation and providing advanced life support.
A Pulse Returns, and a Medical Director Steps In
Dr. Jim Nossett, the Brownsburg Fire Territory’s medical director, was on scene to provide what the department’s statement called crucial on-scene medical direction, assisting the paramedics and firefighters caring for Shultz. Through the combined efforts of everyone involved, Shultz regained a pulse and spontaneous circulation and was transported emergently to a local hospital for further care, the fire territory said…