Two months after suffering a near fatal cardiac arrest, publisher John Krikorian is back at his desk. However, he felt he could not fully resume his daily routine until he expressed his heartfelt gratitude to all the heroes and guardian angels who stepped up, offering aid to him on that fateful day, October 12, at the Glendale Hilton during the Glendale Rotary’s Annual Service Above Self Awards. 

On December 5, with the help of Paradise Pastry of Glendale, Zaven Kazazian, Jory Potts, and the Sunrise Rotary, the Krikorian family presented an appreciation luncheon to Glendale firefighters, paramedics, and the health team that participated in the rescue that saved the life of their family’s patriarch.

The Glendale Rotary commenced the celebratory event, which was held at the Glendale Fire Department’s main station, and Archbishop Vatche Hovsepian, Western Diocese of the Armenian Apostolic Church offered the blessing.

“Thank you from the bottom of my heart,” Krikorian said as his children and grandchildren moved through the room serving lunch to all in attendance.  “It is kind of scary being up here talking...after what happen the last time I stood behind a podium.”

Krikorian briefly recalled the event from his perspective, and thanked God.  “If the heart attack had occurred at a different time or a different day,” Krikorian said, “the outcome would have been fatal.”

Krikorian considered the miraculous fact that the incident happened while in a room full of firefighters, emergency responders, 400 friends and community members. He felt he could not have been more fortunate than by having an immediate emergency response team at his side during an otherwise fatal cardiac arrest.  “I thank God for sending me his Guardian Angels,” Krikorian said.  “If I had been alone in my office, or if it had happened the day before while I was driving alone on the freeway from LAX after dropping off my wife, the damage and risk to the lives of others might have been dire.” 

Krikorian felt overwhelmed with gratitude to God for the firefighters and paramedics who dedicate their lives to serving others, and to all those who offered prayers get-well wishes on his behalf.  He offered special thanks to those in attendance, including Glendale Fire Chief Harold Scoggins, who invited each of the department members attending to introduce themselves. 

Glendale Police Chief Ron De Pompa also attended, as well as Glendale Fire Captain Stuart Stefani of Station 23 (Krikorian’s neighborhood); the new CEO of Glendale Adventist Medical Center (GAMC) Kevin Roberts and Rob Marchuk, V.P. of Anciliary Services, GAMC; Dr. Thanh Nguyen, cardiologist; and Rosine Der Tavitian, president of the Armenian American Nurses Society.

Other guardian angels present included members of the GAMC Emergency and Cardio Dept. that prepared for Krikorian prior to his emergency arrival on Oct. 12. Krikorian thanked the team, including physicians, nurses, medical staff, as well as members of housekeeping and others at all levels that carry out the mission of GAMC. And to those at Verdugo Home Health that offer Krikorian help and nursing support at home. 

The luncheon was a Krikorian family affair. In attendance were 22 Krikorian grandchildren who signed and presented a special Thank You card to Glendale Fire Chief Harold Scoggins and his team of firefighters and paramedics. Krikorian’s wife Elsie, his eight children, their spouses all of whom stood by his side—around the clock—during his stay at GAMC and continue to stay by him at work and at home.

In closing, Krikorian remarked that he now has two birthdays to celebrate each year: August 24—the day he was born, and October 12—the day he was revived by heroes and guardian angels.  “I am grateful to God for hearing the prayers and sending heroes to keep me going.”