Being in the right place at the right time can make all the difference. In September 2012, while participating in the FirstEnergy Akron Marathon, Tony Lindeman experienced cardiac arrest. Among the more than 15,000 competitors in the race that day, there were two caring nurses who saw him collapse and stopped to perform cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR).

Since crossing paths 11 years ago, Tony, supervisor of Maintenance Compliance and the two nurses have become good friends. In 2017, Tony and his wife traveled to the Grand Canyon to attend Lynne Kokoczka’s wedding. Tony overcame his fear of heights to see Lynne marry her sweetheart at the edge of a cliff.

The other nurse is Heather Pariso. Tony admires her heart for the community. “Heather and her husband Kelly Pariso are extraordinary people. I’m so impressed that they founded and continue to operate the Portage Lakes Polar Bear Jump,” Tony said. The event raises money on a rotational basis for the Akron-Canton Regional Food Bank, Ronald McDonald House and Akron Rotary Camp. “Due to doctors’ orders, I am not able to participate in the jump, but my wife and I volunteer each year to support the Parisos. While I’m helping at the event, it makes me proud to see FirstEnergy employees plunging into the frigid waters because I know they’ve raised a large amount of money to help local organizations and these donations are matched by the FirstEnergy Foundation,” Tony continued.

Tony with his friend and life-saving nurse, Lynne Kokoczka and her daughter who joined Tony at the FirstEnergy Ambassador tent to cheer on 2022 marathon runners.

Mission Becomes a Law

There was no explanation for his cardiac arrest, but Tony’s experience compelled him to make CPR education his mission. He worked relentlessly to establish legislation in Ohio that would require CPR education for every high school graduate. After much effort, several years of meetings, revisions and waiting, on June 8, 2016, House Bill 113 was signed into law, requiring every Ohio high school student to receive CPR and automated external defibrillation (AED) training.

“A trained student can save the life of a teacher, a coach, a friend, a family member or someone like me,” Tony said. He credits Lynne and Heather for their support in getting House Bill 113 passed. Thanks to Tony’s caring heart and the nurses’ encouragement, more than 100,000 students receive CPR training annually.

Tony’s Thoughts on the Marathon

The FirstEnergy Akron Marathon is Tony’s favorite because it’s in his hometown. He ran in the event until 2017 when Lynne and Heather were by his side as friends and co-runners.

To celebrate 10 years of life since his cardiac arrest, in 2022 Tony joined FirstEnergy Ambassadors along the blue line to cheer on the marathon runners. “It was fun to see coworkers running and I was excited for what they were going to accomplish, knowing the dedication they put into this event. I encourage everyone to give the Akron Marathon a try. Whether you run the full, the half, or the relay it is a challenging but fun time. The good news you’ll have FirstEnergy employees there to cheer you on,” Tony shared.

Tony with FirstEnergy Ambassadors cheering on 2022 marathon runners.

Employees interested in participating in the Sept. 30, 2023 FirstEnergy Akron Marathon can use this complimentary code: JAZB6X47 to register at AkronMarathon.org/Register*. Approximately 75 of our 150 slots are available.

Heart Education

Tony explained that there is a difference between a heart attack and cardiac arrest. “A heart attack is when arteries are clogged, and blood is prevented from pumping blood to the heart. Cardiac arrest is when an electrical signal is sent to the heart and your heart can’t pump blood. That’s why an electrical shock is needed to send the bad electrical rhythm back to a good rhythm,” Tony said.

When he returned to the office in October 2022, Tony noticed a piece of paper hanging in the cubicle next to his. The paper contained a listing of all Akron General Office floors with AED’s. “That made me smile knowing my neighbor was ready to help if there was a need on our floor,” Tony said.

Many FirstEnergy Utility (FEU) employees receive Medic First Aid/CPR/AED training as part of their job responsibilities. Corporate support employees interested in this training may contact BETA Laboratory Fire & Safety Services at betafire_safetyservices@firstenergycorp.com to request availability. Please note that resources for non-required training are limited. Training classes also are offered by American Red Cross* chapters throughout our service territory.

Take on Tony’s mission of saving lives through CPR education. It’s a matter of heart.

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