Watertown Fire Rescue Crew Reunites With Cardiac Arrest Survivor They Helped Save at Aberdeen Golf Course

Northeast Radio SD News – Watertown, SD - Three Watertown Fire Rescue firefighter-paramedics recently reunited with Doug Swanson, a cardiac arrest survivor whose life they helped save, at the Watertown fire station after playing an off-duty round of golf in Aberdeen.

According to Watertown Fire Rescue, the incident occurred on Aug. 20, 2026, at Lee Park Golf Course in Aberdeen. Lt. Andrew Sebek, Fire Apparatus Operator (FAO) Zach Ordal, and Firefighter Blaine Marlow II were playing an off-duty round at the course when they encountered Swanson in cardiac arrest.

Sebek, Ordal, and Marlow immediately stepped in to administer cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and utilized an automated external defibrillator (AED) at the scene. Aberdeen Fire Rescue and bystanders on the course also assisted in the emergency response.

Following the incident, Swanson underwent cardiac surgery and has since recovered.

Swanson recently visited the Watertown Fire Rescue station to reunite in person with Sebek, Ordal, and Marlow. During the visit, the group reflected on the timing of the Aug. 20 emergency, noting that after making several stops on their way to the golf course that day, the three off-duty firefighter-paramedics arrived at the exact time and location needed to intervene.

Department Highlights Importance of Publicly Accessible AEDs

Watertown Fire Rescue officials noted that Swanson’s survival underscores the critical role of community AED programs and bystander readiness. Early CPR combined with immediate access to a publicly available AED can mean the difference between life and death during a sudden cardiac arrest emergency.

Watertown Fire Rescue also credited Aberdeen Fire Rescue and the bystanders at Lee Park Golf Course with a coordinated, life-saving effort.