Not many people can say after a 24-hour shift as a fireman, they drove to their professional basketball game in New York and then saved a life. However, as of now, Myles Copeland can and will be remembered by the basketball community for years to come. After finishing a 24-hour shift in Toledo, Ohio, Copeland drove to New York for his other job. He plays in a professional basketball league, City of the Basketball League , for the Toledo Glass, according to Jamal Collier for ESPN .
The past week, it seems his two worlds collided early in last Saturday’s game. One of the referees, John Sculli, passed out on the court and became unconscious. Midgame, Copeland saw this and ran towards the conflict and attempted to administer CPR until the paramedics arrived, according to ESPN.
Myles Copeland plays in The Basketball League, a pro startup.
His day job: firefighter in Toledo.
After a 24-hr shift, he drove to New York for a playoff game.
When a ref collapsed, Copeland performed CPR on him for 10 minutes — saving his life.
Then, he helped his team win. pic.twitter.com/HQhDD6ZH5i
— Front Office Sports (@FOS) June 14, 2022
Myles Copeland Instinctive Actions
Naturally, to become a fireman or any first responder there has to be some level of bravery. Copeland’s bravery was on full display during the incident of Sculli’s passing out. He speaks about how he surprised himself with how fast and effective he responded.
“It was kind of instinctual. “I was surprised by how quickly I switched into that mode during the basketball game,” Copeland shared with ESPN on Wednesday. “As a firefighter, you’re always on duty even when you’re off work. It’s important to stay vigilant and aware of the community and its surroundings.”
Quick thinking helped save Sculli’s life. It turns out he’s scheduled to have heart surgery in the coming weeks. Oddly enough, they finished the game and Toledo came back from behind to win the elimination game against the Jamestown Jackals. They are set to take on Kokomo Bobcats on Thursday in Indiana. They plan to honor Copeland’s efforts prior to tip-off.
The president of the league David Magley praises Copeland for his heroic efforts. He emphasized he deserves to be praised and celebrated not for just saving lives, but for the way he carried himself after the fact.
“This guy deserves to be celebrated,” stated league president David Magley during a phone interview. “Not only for saving his own life, but also for the humble way he conducted himself afterwards.”
“He’s our hero because he rose to the occasion without seeking personal recognition. It was simply perfect timing.”