05/12/2026
Danielle McGonagle Cody is with Rochester Fire Department and Rochester Golf Club Rochester Police Department, MA
On Sunday, May 10th, my family experienced every person’s worst nightmare. While playing golf at the Rochester course, my father went into cardiac arrest. Many of you may have seen the news on social media, but I wanted to share the full story because it is a beautiful, rare testament to the power of quick thinking, community, and the compassion of strangers and friends alike.
My dad was out on the 3rd hole, quite far from the parking lot, when he suddenly slumped over in the golf cart. His three friends acted with incredible courage and clarity. They called 911 immediately and began CPR right there in the cart while driving him back toward the parking lot. That decision to move him toward help, while keeping his heart going, was the first link in a chain that saved his life.
In the parking lot, the compassion of our community truly shone. A gentleman at the first hole—a fellow medical professional—saw the emergency and ran to help. He provided what EMS described as the highest quality pre-hospital CPR they had ever seen. The ambulance arrived within three minutes of receiving the call. Because my dad was already in the parking lot, the EMS crew was able to continue CPR using the Lucas device and defibrillate immediately.
By the time he reached Tobey Hospital, he was awake and speaking—a result that is nothing short of miraculous. Statistically, the odds were against him, but the immediate action of those around him changed everything. He was flown to Boston and is currently sitting up and talking to us, showing no neurological deficits.
I have received the names of the four gentlemen who first stepped in, and I plan to thank them personally for giving me back my father.
To our Fire Department and first responders: Thank you as well. The crew on duty included two of the finest medics I’ve ever had the honor of working beside. Dave Z. was my EMS partner a lifetime ago; I never could have imagined he would be the one in the right place at the right time to save my dad. And to Captain Richard: thank you for your skill, your leadership, and for ensuring our department has the equipment necessary to achieve outcomes like this. Thank you also to Chief Weigel, Deputy Chief Eldridge, RPD, and everyone else involved in his care.
My family and I are eternally grateful. We are overwhelmed by the skill and heart shown by first responders and everyone on that course.
On a lighter note, if you’re looking for a place to play golf, head to Rochester—it’s clearly the safest course around!
