'You're My Hero': LI Referee Thanks Nassau Cops Who Saved His Life

MINEOLA, NY — Two off-duty Nassau County police officers who helped save a referee's life after he collapsed during a girls' junior varsity soccer game in Smithtown last month were honored Monday for their lifesaving actions.

Nassau County Police Sgt. Frederick Tifaro and Officer Brian Sujka received the Nassau Police Benevolent Association's Legislative Top Cops recognition for October during a ceremony at the Nassau County Legislature in Mineola.

The officers were watching their daughters play for East Islip High School against Smithtown High School East on Sept. 16 when referee Vito Cassara, 64, of Bay Shore, suddenly collapsed on the field.

The off-duty officers were among several parents, coaches and school personnel who rushed to Cassara's aid, performing CPR and using an automated external defibrillator (AED) to help save his life.

Speaking with Patch on Monday, Cassara recalled the moments before he lost consciousness.

"The only thing I remember is after the person kicked the ball, and I was behind the goal line," Cassara said to Patch. "When I looked up, I had a dizzy feeling. I had like a double vision of the goalie. I was going to kneel down, catch my breath, and restart play. I blew the whistle, and I fell over."

About 30 minutes into the game, the referee's sudden collapse prompted an immediate response from spectators and school personnel, according to the Smithtown Central School District.

Tifaro said he and Sujka were standing along the sideline when they noticed a coach running onto the field and saw Cassara lying on his back, surrounded by several people.

"We went running over, and when we ran over, I asked for the AED — Brian asked for a BVM," Tifaro said, referring to a bag-valve mask used to assist breathing.

Another person had already begun chest compressions, while a parent was helping maintain Cassara's airway, Tifaro said.

As others continued administering CPR and rescue breaths, Tifaro attached the AED.

"We started with some CPR compressions and breaths, and then the AED said to shock — advised shock," Sujka said.

The rescuers delivered a lifesaving shock, helping stabilize Cassara before emergency medical personnel arrived.

"It wasn't just me and Brian — it was a group effort from everybody," Tifaro said. "Everybody just pitched in."

Among those who responded was Smithtown parent Jennifer Carney, a volunteer emergency medical technician with the St. James Fire Department, who helped perform chest compressions.

Smithtown junior varsity soccer coach Amanda Valente, athletic trainer Kelsey McCulley and chaperone Kenneth Eng also assisted in the emergency response, according to the school district. McCulley retrieved the school's AED.

The Smithtown Central School District Board of Education recognized those four individuals during its Oct. 13 meeting for their roles in the rescue.

The East Islip Board of Education also recognized Sujka, Tifaro, Ryan Connolly and Chris Talt during its Oct. 8 meeting for their lifesaving actions.

For Cassara, much of what happened after his collapse remains a blur. He said his first memory upon regaining awareness was seeing Carney, who had helped administer CPR.

"She's the one who kept me awake," Cassara said.

Cassara was transported to a hospital, where he received treatment and ultimately recovered.

Cassara said he had experienced a previous heart-related episode about 12 years ago and has continued seeing a cardiologist annually. His cardiologist was surprised by the latest incident, Cassara said, and he had another appointment to investigate what happened.

Despite the experience, Cassara expressed gratitude for the people who responded so quickly.

He recently attended East Islip's final soccer game of the season specifically to meet Carney and thank her in person. He recalled telling his wife that they needed to attend the game.

"It's their last game — it was a Saturday — I have to meet the woman," he recalled saying.

Cassara, who said he has officiated soccer for 13 years, said his involvement in the sport began after his son had enrolled in a class to become a referee, and rather than drive home and return to pick him up, Cassara decided to take the class himself. He has enjoyed officiating ever since.

"It's not a job for me; I enjoy it so much," he said.

James Springer, financial secretary of the Nassau County PBA, said the incident demonstrated how officers continue to carry their training and responsibilities beyond their regular shifts.

"When the uniform comes off, the job doesn't end," Springer said to Patch. "We're police officers 24 hours, seven days a week."

The availability of AEDs at athletic facilities is important, Springer said, because medical emergencies can affect anyone, including athletes, officials and spectators.

"Whether it's somebody on the field, whether it's a player, a referee, or even somebody in the stands watching the game, they should all have access to this life-saving tool," Springer said.

Rick Frassetti, president of the Nassau County Police Department's Superior Officers Association, described both officers as humble about their roles in the rescue.

"These men went above and beyond, and not only did they have someone call 911, they took action," Frassetti said. "These are true heroes."

Cassara said he was grateful to have had people nearby who recognized the emergency and knew how to respond.

"I'm glad I had the right people there who knew what to do," he said.

When he reunited with the officers who helped save his life, Cassara recalled what he told them.

"Thank you—You're my hero," he said.