Woman Meets Suffolk Officer Who Saved Her Life During Tearful Reunion

PATCHOGUE, N.Y. (CBSNewYork) -- It was an emotional and heartwarming reunion Friday for a woman who was brought back to life by a fast-responding police EMT.

As CBS2's Alice Gainer reported, 72-year-old Kathleen Manganello dabbed away tears of joy as she embraced the Suffolk County police officer who brought her back to life last month after her heart had stopped beating.

On Dec. 19, Manganello suffered a massive heart attack that stopped her heart. Her family called 911, but first efforts at CPR failed.

Then, Officer Arnold Reyes arrived on the scene with a new weapon EMTs have only recently added to their medical bags: powerful needles that can deliver drugs directly to the heart.

"It goes right through the bone. It goes right into the marrow where we can introduce the medication and it circulates throughout the body," said Reyes.

Hospital officials said in just seconds, Reyes was able to get Manganello's heart beating again and restore a pulse.

"He just appeared at my door and he was there to save me. There's nothing more to say, I mean, it's unbelievable," said Manganello.

Manganello is a retired librarian with three children who all raced to her home as she lay breathless on the floor. Relieved, they see Reyes as their hero.

"Amazing superhero! Knowing what he's done before, it's no surprise," said Andy Manganello.

Reyes said he didn't want to brag, but when pressed by reporters he humbly revealed that over his many years as a first responder he's helped save a dozen lives, Gainer reported.

"Besides the police department, I also volunteer on outside. So it's our job, it's a passion I love to do," he said.

Manganello's husband Ed said he hopes Reyes also loves to eat because he's invited for family dinner.

"Meatballs and macaroni or a homemade pizza," he said.

The family said whatever Reyes wants to eat, it will be on the menu.

And doctors said about 25 Suffolk police officers are now equipped with the needle that helped save Manganello's life.