QUINCY DISTRICT COURT PROBATION OFFICERS
RESPOND TO MAN IN DISTRESS

Quincy District Court Probation Officers Kimberly Gruenberg and Philip Landry had wrapped up a day’s work after spending hours in the court and later knocking on every door at a 60-unit condominium complex where they were ordered by a judge to alert residents that they have a new neighbor, a man charged with child pornography.

After a long day spent in court and in the community, Gruenberg and Landry were looking forward to attending a work-related open house where they were planning to meet their colleagues.

Their plans were unexpectedly put on hold. As Gruenberg drove north down Hancock Street in late afternoon traffic they happened upon a car lodged under the rear end of an SUV. The man in the car was unconscious and the tires on the car were spinning, creating a burning smell as a billow of black smoke filled the air.

While other motorists sat in their cars transfixed by the spinning wheels and people gathered outside of businesses and gawked at the smoke surrounding the car, Gruenberg and Landry jumped out of Gruenberg’s car and sprang into action.

“Smoke was everywhere. People were standing around looking. I ran up to the car and reached in and pulled the keys out of the ignition. The man behind the wheel was unconscious, had a cut on his lip and was white as a ghost, ” Landry recalled. “I thought he had a seizure or a heart attack. I figured I had to get him out of there. I felt his wrist for a pulse and got one.”

“I thought he was dead at first,” recalled Gruenberg who called 9-1-1.

Minutes later, the local police and ambulance arrived. The ambulance rushed the injured and still unconscious man to the hospital. They learned the next day that the man was in good condition.

“I’m just glad the guy is alright,” said Landry.