A 2006 graduate of Camp Cadet of Somerset County, 16 year old Richard Brant of Meyersdale, PA used a vital life saving technique he was taught as part of his week at the camp. When his father fell and struck his head at their home on Christmas Eve 2007, Richie was able to use the CPR training he received at Camp Cadet to get his father breathing again and save his life.

At right, Richie is with his father Dave, mother Chris and sister Celeste at the Somerset State Police Barracks where he was presented with a CPR Saver Pin and the American Heart Saver Recognition Award from the American Heart Association.

The following is a description of the incident by Richie's mother, Chris.
"On 12-24-07 at approx 5:30pm, Richie heard a loud noise and found his dad lying on the bedroom floor. My husband was not breathing; Richie immediately began giving me orders of what to do and began CPR.  I am a nurse but totally lost control and was unable to comprehend what directions Richie was telling me.  Richie continued CPR until my husband began breathing and then help the ambulance locate our home.  Richie remained totally calm, assisted the ambulance crew with preparing my husband for transport, rode in the ambulance to the hospital and continued to remain calm and monitor the entire situation and providing me with updates.  This is something a 16 year old should not have to do; he was truly taking care of both me and his dad.  His dad was transported to another hospital via helicopter and Richie assisted them with details of the incident.  Richie did not loose control until his dad was secure and enroute to the hospital via Med Star.  Richie stayed at the hospital by his dad’s side the entire time and was the man taking charge of a serious situation.

I cannot even start to explain how grateful I am that your organization accepted my son in camp cadet. The skills that he learned saved his dad’s life. Richie has always been more mature for his age with a very serious attitude towards important issues. During cadet training Rich and the others cadets were trained on CPR and Rich has continued with refresher courses. Rich has always dreamed of being a State Police trooper and that remains his goal.

We thank God that my husband is home and recovering, but it truly would have not turned out this way if Richie was not with us. I find my son a remarkable young man and cannot thank you again for the skills you have taught him."

On February 8th, 2008, Richie was presented a pin and award by the American Heart Association recognizing his use of CPR to save a life. They were presented by his Gloria Maust, the CPR instructor who had taught him this valuable skill at Camp Cadet. Gloria is an EMT with the Somerset Area Ambulance Service. From left to right in photo: Trooper Jeff Brock, camp cadet director/instructor. Gloria Maust CPR instructor, Richie Brant, and Trooper Jim Reavel, camp cadet instructor. (click pictures to enlarge)

Richie became interested in attending Somerset Camp Cadet after Trooper Brock gave a presentation at his school about the Camp Cadet program. Richie aspires to become a state trooper and attended the camp in July of 2006. The picture at right shows Richie in the CPR class at camp in 2006. This part of the class dealt with CPR on infants and toddlers.

Richie is currently a senior at Meyersdale High School and is a junior member of the Meyersdale Fire Department. His future plans focus on attending the State Police Academy and becoming a Pennsylvania State Trooper.