They spoke daily, but on this particular day, something was drastically different.

The morning of Dec. 1, 2022, JCP&L Senior Relay Tech, Alek Stulic was driving to work and called Distribution Tech, Gerard (Gerry) Weis to inform him he was running late. Gerry said, “I knew almost immediately that there was a serious problem. Alek wasn’t making sense. He couldn’t recall his assignment that day, the substation name, location, or the names of his coworkers. He was using one-to-two-word phrases instead of complete sentences and some of his words were incoherent.”

Gerry’s former EMT experience kicked in. He knew Alek was experiencing a medical emergency, so he remained on the phone with him while quickly enlisting the help of the JCP&L Distribution Control Center in Morristown, New Jersey, to locate Alek and call EMS to the scene. Gerry also credits his coworker, Senior Relay Tech, Dave Williams, as the two worked closely together to get Alek the care he needed.

Alek was rushed to the hospital and underwent emergency surgery. Gerry’s intuition and quick action made all the difference. Alek had experienced a stroke and because he received prompt medical attention, his outcome was much different than it could have been.

Update on Alek

Alek is now recovering at home and is undergoing outpatient therapy. He’s working hard to get back to his busy family life and back to seeing his coworkers.

“Alek is a fun-loving guy who likes to joke and have a good time,” Gerry said. “He’s an extremely hard worker and is great at his job, but he also makes the workday fun with his sense of humor. There is an emptiness at the shop without him. We’re a small tightknit group and we miss him,” Gerry expressed.

Gerry keeps in touch with Alek’s wife to check on his progress. “He’s dedicated father to his three sons and a daughter, and he’s very involved with their activities. I’m so glad he was there to celebrate another Christmas with them,” Gerry said. “Even though it was not completely the same this year, it’s gratifying to know he was with his family.”

Other Employees Benefit from Gerry’s Safety Knowledge

While Gerry is no longer a volunteer EMT, he now serves as a Basic First Aid Instructor for JCP&L and he uses his EMT knowledge and experience to share AED, CPR and safety training. During the course, he teaches students the signs and symptoms of a stroke.

By a stroke of good luck, Alek called the right person the morning of Dec. 1.

Abe Amawi, JCP&L director of operations, said, “Gerard saved Alek’s life because he has a passion for people. He stuck to his gut and his training and got the employee the help he needed.”

Thank you for your wise insights, Gerard Weis!