WOODBRIDGE, N.J. (1010 WINS) — A veteran worker for the Woodbridge Department of Public Works has miraculously survived after being struck by lightning Wednesday, officials said.
The bolt struck Eric Baumgartner, an 18-year DPW veteran, just before 12:30 p.m. when he was repainting lines on a soccer field at Iselin Middle School, Woodbridge Mayor John McCormac said at a news conference.
Officer Robert J. McPartland, known as R.J., said he was heading toward the middle school for dismissal when the call about the lightning strike came in. He responded and found Baumgartner unresponsive.
"McPartland by virtue of being a firefighter for many years before becoming a police officer, is very well trained in CPR and first-aid, and he immediately gave CPR [to Baumgartner]," the mayor said.
Once more units arrived, McPartland said an AED was used to revive the 39-year-old worker.
"It was apparent that he was struck by lightning," McPartland said. "He was still holding one of the machines. We were able to get that away from him."
Baumgartner was conscious and alert as he was rushed by ambulance to Robert Wood Johnson University Hospital in New Brunswick, officials said.
He is expected to make a full recovery.
"I have every reason to believe R.J. McPartland saved Eric Baumgartner's life, and I couldn't be prouder of the job our police officers do," McCormac said.
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