CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Citrus Heights City Council recently honored a local hero for his life saving actions, serving as a friendly reminder of how precious life can be.

On the morning of February 10, Roy McAlister was volunteering at the veterans center on Sylvan Road. “I had no idea what was in store that day,” explained McAlister.

At 10:15 that morning there was quite a commotion outside among the workers as one of the volunteers shouted for someone to call 9-1-1. McAlister ran outside to find Jerry Castanon lying motionless on the ground. “When I checked his pulse there was nothing there,” explained McAlister. “I rolled him over and immediately started compressing.”

McAlister explained to the heavily attended city council meeting that he tended to Castanon for about eight minutes while speaking to the 9-1-1 operator until the medics arrived at the scene and eventually took him away to the hospital.

After hours of uncertainty, at 2:30 in the afternoon word had finally come out that Castanon had survived. One of the medics told McAlister, “He just came out of surgery. He had two stents put in and the doctor said he’s going to be okay. Whoever did compressions on him saved this man’s life.”

Mayor Steve Miller awarded McAlister his “Mayor’s Pin” in recognition of his life saving heroism. Assemblyman Ken Cooley was also on hand and spoke highly of his valiant efforts before honoring him with a certificate. “Martin Luther said that he had two days on his calendar - today and that day,” said Cooley. “And I want to live today for that day.”

“Something like this, when it occurs to you, you can understand life and you can see that it’s so precious so enjoy every morning when you wake up…it’s great just to be here,” said a grateful Castanon. “I want to just say thank you, Roy. Roy McAlister is a fine example for Citrus Heights.”