Krikorian reportedly has strong vital signs after collapsing at ceremony

Oct. 12, 2011 12 AM PT

Glendale firefighters say John Krikorian -- the publisher of Business Life magazine who collapsed earlier today while accepting an award at the department’s annual luncheon ceremony -- has a strong pulse and blood pressure.

Krikorian has not yet regained consciousness after suffering an apparent heart attack on stage at the Hilton Glendale, although further testing was needed, said Glendale Fire Battalion Chief Greg Godfrey.

Still, Krikorian’s strong vital signs were “a very positive sign,” Godfrey said.

Midway through his acceptance speech, Krikorian lost consciousness and collapsed as Glendale firefighter-paramedics rushed in to catch him. They performed emergency CPR as he was rushed to Glendale Adventist Medical Center.

Krikorian, who is father of Glendale Unified school board member Greg Krikorian, was accepting the “Service Above Self” award for his volunteerism and support for community programs.

Fire Chief Harold Scoggins ended the ceremony early with a prayer for John Krikorian’s health.

-- Jason Wells and Veronica Rocha, Times Community News

Twitter: @jasonbretwells, @veronicarochala

Photo: Glendale firefighter-paramedics rushed to help John Krikorian as he collapsed during an acceptance speech at the Glendale Fire Department luncheon on Wednesday Oct. 12, 2011. Crews performed emergency CPR as he was rushed to Glendale Adventist Medical Center. Credit: Tim Berger