(WHTM) — Two Pennsylvania park rangers and an off-duty paramedic helped save a man’s life in May. This week, they were recognized for their heroism.

Sean Nam and Bill Blandford were mountain biking at Swatara State Park in May when Blandford suffered sudden cardiac arrest, the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) said.

Nam, a trained paramedic, called 911 and began chest compressions until two DCNR Park Rangers — Ellen Secor and Emily McCoy — arrived with an automated external defibrilator.

PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES - DCNR Ranger Emily McCoy is honored for helping to save the life of a mountain biker who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at Swatara State Park in the spring, in Grantville, PA on August 21, 2026.

PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES – DCNR Ranger Emily McCoy is honored for helping to save the life of a mountain biker who suffered a sudden cardiac arrest at Swatara State Park in the spring, in Grantville, PA on August 21, 2026.

PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES - Bill Blandford thanks his friend Sean Nam and DCNR Rangers Emily McCoy and Ellen Secor for helping to save his life last May after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, in Grantville, PA on August 21, 2026.

PHOTO COURTESY / COMMONWEALTH MEDIA SERVICES – Bill Blandford thanks his friend Sean Nam and DCNR Rangers Emily McCoy and Ellen Secor for helping to save his life last May after he suffered a sudden cardiac arrest, in Grantville, PA on August 21, 2026.

Photo Courtesy / Commonwealth Media Services

Photo Courtesy / Commonwealth Media Services

Photo Courtesy / Commonwealth Media Services

Photo Courtesy / Commonwealth Media Services

Lifesaving efforts continued and Blandford was taken to Penn Medicine Lancaster General Hospital where he recovered.

“Ranger Ellen Secor, Ranger Emily McCoy, and Sean Nam demonstrated extraordinary bravery, quick thinking, and professionalism during a life-threatening emergency,” said DCNR Secretary Cindy Adams Dunn. “We are deeply grateful for the actions taken that day and for the commitment each of them brings to serving the people of the Commonwealth.”

“This story is a powerful reminder that saving a life doesn’t happen in just one place — it happens in a chain of quick decisions and skilled hands, from the trailside to the treatment room,” said Penn Medicine Lancaster General Health CEO Michael Barber. “We’re proud of the exceptional care our Heart and Vascular Institute team provided, and just as proud to stand alongside the DCNR rangers and the bystander whose fast action gave Mr. Blandford a fighting chance before he ever reached our doors.”

The two rangers and Nam were recognized in a ceremony this week at Swatara State Park. Blandford was in attendance.

Bill Blandford, who attended the event, shared his gratitude for the efforts that saved his life. “Thank you to Sean, Ellen, Emily, and all of the first responders who literally got me out of the woods and saved my life,” said Blandford.

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Both rangers received Secretarial Citations acknowledging their dedication, readiness, and commitment to public safety. Nam received a citation recognizing his bravery, quick thinking, and decisive action.

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