News Release

April 5, 2006
News Release Contact:
Becky Gettings - (804) 213-4419
E-mail: pubrel@abc.virginia.gov

Two Local Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) Store Managers Recognized for Heroic Deed

Two Virginia Department of Alcoholic Beverage Control (ABC) employees are being recognized as heroes. David Wingold, store manager at the Kenbridge and Victoria ABC stores, and Kim Easter, assistant manager at the Blackstone ABC store, administered cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, to save the life of a Swift Transportation Co., Inc. employee.

While assisting in the relocation of a Chesterfield County ABC store, a Swift Transportation Co. employee suddenly fell to the ground and was experiencing a massive heart attack.

ABC Regional Manager Joan Ford immediately dialed 911 as Wingold, a resident of Kenbridge, and Easter, a resident of Burkeville, started to administer CPR. Thanks to the quick actions of Wingold and Easter, they were able to keep pumping oxygen into the unconscious man until the rescue squad could arrive.

"I was so thankful we had employees that knew CPR and thankful that David and Kim didn't hesitate to do what they did to save a life," said Ford. "Our employees were doing such a good job, that after the rescue squad arrived at the store, they told David and Kim to continue exactly what they were doing until they got their equipment set up."

Wingold, an ABC employee since 1976, learned CPR from being a volunteer fireman and Easter, an ABC employee since 2005, learned CPR from a previous employment at a prison.

Wingold and Easter were both commended for their heroic deed in saving the life of a fellow human being. They were presented with framed certificates, signed by the ABC commissioners and the director of ABC’s Wholesale/Retail Operations, Virginia Adams, on Monday, April 3.