EMT From Maplewood-South Orange Who Saved Life At Knicks Parade Earns Praise From Congresswoman

SOUTH ORANGE-MAPLEWOOD, NJ — A Maplewood native who works as an EMT in South Orange recently got a shout-out on the floor of Congress for saving a man’s life during the New York Knicks championship parade.

Simone Kelly, an emergency medical technician with the South Orange Rescue Squad, was widely praised for her response during the parade on June 18.

Kelly, a Columbia High School Class of 2020 graduate, climbed a subway tower during the crowded parade to revive an unconscious man with Narcan nasal spray.

• Related: NJ EMT Climbs Subway Tower, Revives Man During Knicks Parade

U.S. Rep. Analilia Mejia of New Jersey recently spoke about Kelly’s rescue in a speech to her peers on the floor of the House of Representatives.

Kelly’s “courage and selflessness” was on full display that day when she climbed the tower, assessed the situation and immediately took action, Mejia said.

“Her quick thinking, training and commitment to serve others saved a life that day,” the congresswoman added.

Send local news tips and correction requests to eric.kiefer@patch.com. Learn more about advertising on Patch here. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.