Clarksville, TN – On June 1st, 2016, Clarksville Parks and Recreation Maintenance employee Mr. Charles Jackson was performing maintenance work in a restroom on the first floor of City Hall.
While he was working, Mr. Jackson was the victim of a health incident that caused him to fall from a ladder rendering him unconscious and unresponsive.
![(L to R) Bill Harpel, Charles Jackson, Mayor Kim McMillan, William Welty and Lori McNulty. (L to R) Bill Harpel, Charles Jackson, Mayor Kim McMillan, William Welty and Lori McNulty.](https://www.clarksvilleonline.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/07/Clarksville-Mayor-Kim-McMillan-Honors-City-Employees-for-Life-Saving-Measures-480x360.jpg)
Mrs. McNulty immediately summoned her supervisor, Sgt. William Welty, and called 911.
Sgt. Welty took action instantly by grabbing one of the City’s AED machines. Sgt. Welty, along with the City’s Military and Veterans Liaison, Mr. Bill Harpel administered CPR and several shocks from the AED machine bringing Mr. Jackson’s heart back into rhythm and saving his life.
Mr. Jackson has recovered and returned to work on July 7th, 2016.
“The City’s Security and Loss Prevention officers provide invaluable assistance to us every day. On June 1st, however, they were called upon to go above and beyond their usual daily activities,” said Clarksville Mayor Kim McMillan. “These officers train to respond in this kind of emergency. Their response, along with the help of Bill Harpel, was excellent. I know that Mr. Jackson and his family are grateful for their help. I, too, am grateful and proud for their efforts on June 1 and every day.”
*The City currently has 29 AED machines in City buildings and 62 AED machines in City vehicles.