LAKEVILLE — What had promised to be a day spent pleasantly riding his tandem bike with his wife Doris nearly became David Voye’s last day alive.

But thanks to the efforts of the Lakeville fire and police departments, he lived to tell the story of a day when he was “dead on the road’’ for a few moments. 

The incident happened Friday morning, May 20 on Long Point Road when Voye was doing something very familiar: Riding a bicycle. In addition to frequently riding with his wife, Voye spent years as a world-class bicycle racer.

In all that time, he said, he had “never touched the ground.’’ But this day would be tragically different.

Voye suffered a cardiac arrhythmia, which occurs when electrical impulses in the heart don't work properly.

He fell from the bike onto the road. 

Doris called 911, where she was instructed on how to do CPR, which kept her husband alive. “She broke all of my ribs and kept my heart pumping,’’ her husband can now joke.

Her serious effort was followed by police officer Emiliann Melo, who arrived on the scene and immediately knew she had to act fast. “In critical moments, you have seconds to make decisions,’’ she said. 

She attached automatic external defibrillator pads onto Voye and, supported by colleague Weston Fazzino, also performed CPR.

Deputy Fire Chief Pamela Garant and Firefighter/Paramedic Danielle Bentley quickly arrived on scene. Garant placed an IV in Voye’s arm while Bentley took over the defibrillator. Voye’s heart was shocked four times before he began breathing on his own.

He was transported to Morton Hospital, then sent to Beth Israel in Boston, where the readouts from the defibrillator used by Lakeville first responders helped doctors diagnose and treat him.

Today Voye is alive and looking well. He attended the Lakeville Fire Department Recognition Night Aug. 23 at the Lakeville Senior Center to thank those who saved his life. 

He noted that he owes his survival to four women: Melo, Garant, Bentley and his wife, who did the initial CPR.

“I’m so appreciative to be here today,’’ he said, in a voice choked with emotion.

Incidents like that, Fire Chief Michael O’Brien said, “put the gas in our tank’’ and keep department members inspired and prepared. The story underscores the importance, he said, of ensuring that all equipment is updated and ready at all times. 

The evening also served as a chance to honor firefighters for their accomplishments. 

Honorees included: Ryan Silvia, who ranked first for the second consecutive year in call back responses among full-time firefighters; and Tyler Christiansen, who topped the call back response list among call firefighters. Callbacks refer to incidents in which off-duty firefighters are “called back’’ to a scene to provide additional help.

Service awards were presented to: Capt. Michael McCullough, for 35 years of service; and Capt. David DeBest, for serving 30 years.

EMS certifications were received by: Jason Kirby, Josh King, both paramedic EMTs; and Aidan O’Brien, advanced EMT.

Recognized for graduating from the Massachusetts Fire Academy were: Dick Velez. Jason Kirby, Tyler Christiansen, Dustin Mackiewicz, Chase Miranda and Caitlin Thomas.

New department members sworn in included: Michell Gauvin, Craig DeCosta, Dick Velez, David Howard, Jason Kirby and Josh King, all full-time firefighters; and Nicole Bostick, Tyler LeTourneau, Michael Rosa, Andrew Merriam and Patrick O’Donovan, call firefighters. Matt Mokeler was not present but is also a new call firefighter.