Make a Difference Winner

It was a beautiful fall day last year and part-time employee Al Flitcroft was going about his normal routine of keeping the ER at Cape Regional Medical Center clean and comfortable for patients, visitors, and staff. Little did he know that the normalcy of this particular day was about to be shattered.

The Wildwood Police Department, following normal procedure, brought in an injured prisoner for care. Without warning, the prisoner overpowered the officer guarding him in an attempt to escape. The officer was knocked to the ground and the prisoner made a run for it. What the prisoner didn't know at the time was that he was about to meet the likes of 75 year old Al Flitcroft.

Without hesitation, Al sprang into action. He threw a blanket over the prisoner's head in order to blind him and distract him long enough for the police officers to regain control. Within just a few hair-raising seconds, the situation was back under control, the prisoner was secured, and no one was seriously injured. Al did suffer a black eye and a slight concussion, but felt that his actions paled in comparison to what the ER staff faces on a daily basis.

In recognition of his actions, Al was awarded the Service Excellence of the Year award at Cape Regional Medical Center for 2006. According to Joanne Carrocino, President and CEO, "Al displayed remarkable courage in this situation, his actions truly making a difference and resulting in a positive outcome. We greatly appreciate all that he did."

Al's quick thinking and selfless actions helped ensure the safety of everyone in the ER that fateful September day. We are most proud of him and are lucky to call him one of our own!