Howell Local finds humor is best medicine
for fellow first responder
How does a PBA Local help a first re-
sponder trying to recover from a cardiac
arrest that left her in critical condition
and on life support in a medically in-
duced coma?
With a few laughs, of course.
Howell Local 228 hosted a come-
dy night on Dec. 6 to benefit Berkeley
Township EMT Megan Franzoso. In ear-
ly September, the 28-year-old Franzoso,
whose uncle is Jackson Township Local
168 member Brian Geoghegan, went
into cardiac arrest for 45 minutes while
at Community Medical Center in Toms
River. Once her pulse returned, she was
flown to Temple University Medical
Center in Philadelphia.
On Nov. 17, Franzoso was discharged
and came home. She has made unbe-
lievable progress and continues with
extensive speech, physical and occupa-
tional therapy. She can walk with assis-
tance and recently has been starting to
say a few words.
A GoFundMe campaign has raised
more than $30,000 of the $50,000 goal
to help with Franzoso’s medical bills. To
contribute, go to https://www.gofund-
me.com/megan039s-first-aid.
A number of PBA Locals have also
contributed to help Megan. Howell Lo-
cal 228 Vice President Jason Baratta or-
ganized the comedy night, enlisting the
help of comedian Jim Florentine, who
donated his performance and brought
his own opening act, Don Jamieson. The
Local was able to fill the Southard Fire
Department’s banquet hall to raise sig-
nificant funds for the cause.
www.njcopsmagazine.com
■ JANUARY 2019 55