By James Massara
CCN News Director

BUCYRUS — After suffering from a life-changing health issue, one man enlisted the help of two local organizations to ensure the safety of those who utilize one of the busiest spots in Bucyrus.

During its weekly meeting, the Bucyrus Rotary Club hosted Alan Basinger and the Rotary and the Friends of the Bucyrus Public Library made a joint donation, of $500 each, to the Bucyrus Public Library to purchase an automated external defibrillator.

In September 2017, Basinger suffered a heart attack at the Bucyrus YMCA. It was with the help of an AED that Basinger survived.

“A lady across the table said, ‘Big Al, you look white,’ and I said ‘Well, I’m Caucasian,” Basinger said. “And then, I was out.”

Basinger said two people retrieved the AED that was at the YMCA and revived him.

After that day, Basinger said it was his mission to ensure that the devices were available in public spaces where they may be needed, such as churches, city buildings and other high-traffic areas.

Rotarian Jeff Urban (left) hands Bucyrus Public Library Assistant Director Rebecca Wilden a check for $500 for a new AED machine for the library. Also pictured are (continued from left) Maureen Sharrock, Friends of the Bucyrus Public Library president; Carol Henak, FBPL secretary; and Sharon Hahn, Bucyrus Rotary Club president.

He decided to enlist the help of the Rotary and friends of the library groups because he was a Rotary member for 40 years, and he wanted to ask for assistance from groups with a history of taking pride in assisting the library when able.

“Alan is a former Rotarian and he went through a life-threatening experience, and when he presented this option to the board, it just seemed like something we really needed to do,” Bucyrus Rotary Club President Sharon Hahn said.

Hahn said Rotary was involved in the creation of the library’s community room and other programs and the donation seemed like another way to contribute to better the community.

She said to have the friends of the library organization contribute to the donation showed the values of both groups.

Bucyrus Public Library Assistant Director Rebecca Wilden said the device is extremely important to have on site.

“We have a lot of visitors of all age groups, so if any one comes in and something happens we help them,” Wilden said.

Wilden said once the device is purchased, library employees will be trained on the device, so they are ready to assist if needed.