> Home > About Us > News/Events

January 30, 2008

Hale honored as a hero

Marshall Hale, facilities supervisor at the Haywood Regional Health & Fitness Center for the past six years, was recognized by WLOS-TV Jan. 28 as a GIFT Hero.

Hale also was named Employee of the Month for December for the calm and immediate manner in which he provided CPR when Dr. David Love, medical director at Haywood Regional Medical Center, collapsed during a game of volleyball in the fitness center gymnasium.

“His immediate response of providing quick assessment and CPR most likely saved Dr. Love’s life,” one person who nominated Hale wrote on a Catch Someone card.

Hale was teaching a CPR class Dec. 3, when he heard the emergency response signal. He immediately rushed to the side of Love, who had collapsed in the gymnasium while playing ball.

“The timing was unbelievable,” Hale said. “But, when you’ve done CPR as long as I have, it just comes naturally.”

Hale worked for 20 years as a lifeguard for the Miami, Fla. Beach Patrol.

“Many lives could be saved if everyone knew CPR,” he said. “People who have had CPR training need to stay up on their certification, because you never know when you might be called on to use those skills.”

All fitness center employees are required to take CPR training and to keep their CPR certification up to date.

Katie Pope was working the front desk at the fitness center the night of Love’s ordeal. When she received the emergency notice, she jumped into action.

“I called Marshall and grabbed the grab-and-go (first aid) bag and defibrillator and ran to the gym,” Pope said.

Hale and Joey McMahan performed CPR until emergency crews arrived.

“We all worked together to get the job done,” Pope said.

Fitness Center Director Scotty Setser said Hale is a valuable employee.

“I wish I could clone him,” Setser said.

“When they told me who was here when Dr. Love collapsed, I knew he couldn’t have been in better hands,” Setser said.

While he originally wanted to be a teacher, Hale said he always looks forward to going to work at the fitness center each day.

“I have a great time with my fellow workers,” he said.

He and his wife, Susan, have five children and reside in the White Oak community.