FOUNTAIN VALLEY : City Honors 3 Who Helped Save a Life

John Van Hecke wasn’t going to stand there and watch another man die on a tennis court.

Last year, his tennis partner died after having a stroke and heart attack on the court.

Last month, fellow player Chi Van Nguyen of Hawthorne collapsed on a court next to where Van Hecke was playing at Fountain Valley Recreation Tennis Center.

Van Hecke and two other men came to Nguyen’s aid and saved his life. The three men were honored this week for their action.

“I really wanted to do something this time,” said Van Hecke, who gave Nguyen cardiopulmonary resuscitation.

“I saw my partner die and I didn’t want to see another man die,” he said.

When paramedics arrived, Nguyen was not breathing and he had no heartbeat, fire officials said.

Fire Chief Bernard F. Heimos said that Nguyen’s chances of survival increased because of the efforts of the three men.

“If they had not administered CPR, there’s a good chance he might not have made it,” said Heimos said. “They sure increased his odds.”

Nguyen, 47, who is recovering, said he is appreciative that the men came to his rescue. “I feel very lucky,” he said.

Van Hecke of Westminster said the action was a team effort. The two other men who assisted were Vince Ho of Santa Ana and Dan Nguyen of Westminster. Both were also playing tennis on March 27.

“I don’t take any credit,” said Van Hecke, a hair stylist. “I just thank God we saved his life.”

The three men were commended by the City Council for their willingness to help. Each was given a certificate of appreciation by Mayor John Collins.

“They got involved and made a difference,” Collins said, adding that he hopes their actions will inspire others to do the same in such an emergency situation.

The men said that while they were surprised at getting the city recognition, they were honored.

“Saving anybody’s life is a good deed and a good feeling,” said Ho, who held Nguyen’s head while the other two administered CPR. “But this is special because he’s one of the players in our group.”

Van Hecke agreed that their life-saving effort was well worth it: “It’s gratifying to know I saved someone’s life.”