‘It’s all worth it’: Hearts and Heroes honors 24 lives saved

Published on February 16, 2026

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Bravery, compassion and appreciation filled the room last Thursday as Cabarrus County EMS hosted Hearts and Heroes, the annual reunion of people forever connected by one simple truth: CPR can help save lives.

“Tonight is about a lot of things, but the first two things are impact ... and results,” said Cabarrus County EMS Deputy Chief Justin Brines, who hosted the event.

Those results told a powerful story. In 2025 alone, Cabarrus County recorded 24 survivors of out-of-hospital sudden cardiac arrest. That’s 24 lives that might have been lost without quick thinking, skilled care and seamless teamwork.

“This kind of success does not exist in a vacuum,” Brines said. “Those outcomes are the result of ... people, preparation and partnerships.”

Held at the 601 Milestone Venue in Concord, the event is now in its 13th year of reuniting survivors with the bystanders, telecommunicators, first responders and medical teams who helped save their lives.

Cabarrus County EMS hosts the event with Atrium Health Cabarrus.

“If there’s one word that will be the undercurrent of tonight, it is collaboration,” Brines told the audience. “It’s collaboration across agencies, across disciplines, across moments before the call, during the call and long after the patient leaves the hospital.”

That spirit mirrors the American Heart Association’s Chain of Survival, the six critical links proven to boost survival outcomes from cardiac arrest. Throughout the program, speakers ranging from everyday bystanders to seasoned public safety professionals shared how those links were used to save a life.

Speakers included:

  • Cabarrus County Sheriff Van Shaw on recognition and emergency activation
  • YMCA Aquatics Director Trey San Jose on high-quality CPR
  • Cabarrus County Board of Education Chairman Rob Walter on defibrillation
  • Cabarrus County EMS Chief Jimmy Lentz on advanced resuscitation
  • Atrium Health Cabarrus Assistant Vice-President Rhonda Wright on post-cardiac arrest care
  • Cabarrus County EMS Medical Director Dr. Catherine Waggy on recovery and survivorship

Then came those special reunions.

Each survivor walked to the front to meet the full team who helped save them. Hugs followed and cameras flashed, preserving relationships that may have never happened.

Each survivor also received a commemorative canvas signed by everyone involved in their care.

The evening also carried a clear call to action for the community.

Many cardiac arrests happen at home or in public places, often before first responders arrive. When bystanders recognize an emergency, call 911 and begin high-quality CPR, survival chances can double or even triple.

That reality is why Cabarrus County EMS continues expanding free community CPR training and promoting Heart Safe workplaces across the county.

Adding a touch of heart to the evening, Brines introduced the new Heart Safe Workplace mascot, a friendly heart named Thumper. Thumper will be used to help promote CPR training and AED readiness.

Businesses interested in having staff trained in CPR, obtaining an AED or becoming recognized as a Heart Safe Workplace can contact the association at ccfa.treasure@gmail.com.

Residents can act immediately. The next FREE community CPR class is scheduled for February 28 at 1 p.m. at EMS Headquarters, 793 Cabarrus Ave. West. For more information about future classes, contact Deputy Chief Kara Clarke at kaclarke@cabarruscounty.us.

Cabarrus County EMS Medical Director and Atrium Health Cabarrus Emergency Medicine Attending Dr. Catherine Waggy perhaps best summed up the evening. Full of emotion and supported by applause, she told the room: “You are all now a part of this family. You are the reason we show up to work. You are the reason we give up time with our loved ones. Thank you for reminding us that it’s all worth it.”

Agencies recognized during the 2026 Hearts and Heroes event included:

  • Cabarrus County EMS
  • Cabarrus County Sheriff’s Office
  • Concord Fire Department
  • Kannapolis Fire Department
  • Kannapolis Police Department
  • Concord Police Department
  • Cabarrus County Fire Services Squad 410
  • Town of Harrisburg Fire Department
  • Georgeville Fire Department
  • Steele Creek Fire Department
  • NC State Highway Patrol
  • Atrium Health Cabarrus

Watch the full Hearts and Heroes presentation at youtube.com/cabarruscounty.

 

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