Saved on the field, back in the game: How Lee County’s preparedness saved a father’s life.

In November 2024, 64-year-old Keenan Brown was doing what he loved, playing baseball at a seniors’ tournament at the Lee County Sports Complex, when he suddenly collapsed from cardiac arrest. In an instant, a normal game day turned into a life-or-death emergency.

Lee County Sports Complex Security Supervisor Tony Nazarro was stationed nearby, heard commotion, and immediately recognized what was happening. He moved quickly to retrieve a nearby Avive Connect AED, which are mounted at public access points throughout the complex, and began providing care before EMS arrived. Guided by the device’s instructions, Tony delivered lifesaving treatment, giving Keenan the critical chance he needed to survive.

One year later, in November 2025, Keenan returned to the very same tournament - not as a patient, but as a player. This time, he was joined by his wife, Janine, and their three young children cheering him on from the sidelines. The field where his life was once saved had become a place of celebration, resilience, and gratitude. Keenan’s return is a powerful reminder of what’s possible when communities like Lee County are prepared.

This rescue was no coincidence. Lee County has made a deliberate investment in public safety by installing more than 180 Avive AEDs throughout county buildings and public access locations, including the sports complex where Keenan collapsed. These devices are designed to be intuitive and reliable, empowering bystanders to act quickly and effectively in high-stress moments. County leadership gathered to recognize this save, highlighting it as a clear example of how this investment is already protecting lives.

As leaders reflected on this success, they also looked ahead. Sudden Cardiac Arrest doesn’t only happen in public facilities - it happens in neighborhoods, homes, parks, and places where help may be minutes away. For a county with diverse geography and active outdoor communities, fast access to defibrillation is essential. That’s why Lee County is exploring how to expand AED access beyond public buildings and into residential areas, working toward the goal of joining Avive’s 4 Minute Community Program.

Keenan’s story shows what can happen when the right people have the right tools at the right time. It proves that survival shouldn’t depend on luck, but on preparation and access. By continuing to build on its commitment to lifesaving technology and community readiness, Lee County is not only responding to emergencies - it’s shaping a future where more families get the chance to cheer from the sidelines instead of waiting in uncertainty.