Good Samaritans honored after quick action saves South Milwaukee volleyball player's life

SOUTH MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Nine people are recognized Tuesday for saving a man's life after he went into cardiac arrest during a volleyball game. 

Dean Evers plays on a men's volleyball league every week at the South Milwaukee Middle School, but back in October, Dean's heart stopped beating in the middle of a game. 

"I got really dizzy and I said 'time out' and I passed out," Dean said. 

Dean's wife Lynn Evers was in the stands. 

"All of a sudden there was a commotion," Lynn said. "The lady sitting next to me was like that’s your husband! So I went running down there." 

That's when bystanders jumped into action and school staff member Colleen Placzkowski grabbed the AED. 

"I’m like ‘he stopped breathing, he stopped breathing!'" Lynn said. "We laid him on his back and right away Colleen started compressions."

It took one shock from the AED and CPR from the bystanders to save Dean's life and those Good Samaritans were honored Tuesday night. 

"It is with great confidence that I cans say Dean’s life was saved because of the efforts from the group of citizens of our community," South Milwaukee Fire Chief Joseph Knitter said. 

Joel Bushman plays on the team and says Tuesday's recognition is humbling. 

"People refer to us as heroes but I think the true heroes are the people who worked to get the AED in the school," Bushman said. 

Nine people were recognized during the South Milwaukee Common Council meeting Tuesday and they all received warm hugs from the man who is alive today because of them. 

"They saved my life, they gave me another chance at it," Dean said. 

Lynn is thankful to have her husband by her side. 

"I’m just so grateful to everyone just really stepping up, being there and praying," Lynn said. 

Dean is healthy and back playing volleyball every week. 

"I realize that God’s not done with me yet," Dean said. "He’s got plans for me."