There are plenty of reasons someone might remember a day on the golf course. A hole-in-one, a personal best, or even just perfect weather can make for a memorable round.
For one Westford, Massachusetts, police officer, however, a trip to the golf course turned into a life-or-death emergency that ended with a stranger getting a second chance.
According to the Westford Police Department, Officer Brett Fitzgerald was off duty and checking in for a round of golf at Nabnasset Lake Country Club on June 29 when he witnessed another golfer suddenly collapse on the fourth fairway.
Instead of reaching for his clubs, Fitzgerald immediately rushed to the golfer’s aid, beginning CPR and helping save the man’s life before first responders even arrived.
Quick CPR and Teamwork Helped Restore the Golfer’s Pulse
The Westford Police Department shared the story after Fitzgerald was formally recognized with the department’s Life Saving Medal during a Select Board meeting. Officials said the incident unfolded at around 1:25 pm, when Fitzgerald recognized that the golfer was suffering a serious medical emergency.
Without hesitation, the off-duty officer took control of the scene and began performing CPR while others called for help. He continued until members of the Westford Fire Department arrived with additional Westford police officers and advanced lifesaving equipment, including an automated external defibrillator (AED).
Working together, the responders restored the man’s pulse before he was transported to a local hospital for further treatment.
Golfer Made a Remarkable Recovery
According to the department, the golfer continued improving after being hospitalized and was discharged just 11 days later with what officials described as a positive prognosis.
The emotional story came full circle during the recent Select Board meeting, when Fitzgerald received the department’s Life Saving Medal in front of family members, friends, fellow officers, and community members. Also in attendance was the very man whose life Fitzgerald had helped save.
Following the ceremony, the two shared a reunion and posed for a photo together. According to the department, they also made plans for a much happier meeting in the future, agreeing that the next time they see each other at Nabnasset Lake Country Club, it will be to play a round of golf rather than respond to a medical emergency.
Commenters Call It a “Hole in One” Rescue
The response to the Westford Police Department’s post has been overwhelmingly positive, with many commenters calling Officer Brett Fitzgerald a hero for stepping in off duty without hesitation. Several people thanked him for his quick thinking and dedication, with one writing, “Thank you, Officer Brett, for being there on that golf course that day,” while another said the town is “fortunate to have this officer in Westford.”
Several pointed out that another golfer immediately began CPR before Fitzgerald took over, while others praised the Westford Fire Department and the responding officers for helping save the man’s life. One commenter summed it up by writing, “Great work, everyone at Nab that day was amazing… Kudos to all.”
Others couldn’t resist adding a few golf-themed jokes after learning the rescue happened on the fourth fairway. Comments like “Now, that’s a hole in one” and “That’s an ace!” helped lighten the mood as they celebrated the successful outcome.