WASHINGTON, DC — Today, Congressman Donald Norcross (D-NJ) honored the pilots and flight attendants who saved his life: Captain Michael Tibaldo, First Officer James Kim, Flight Attendant Donnell Mitchell, and Flight Attendant Jaclyn Curry, all of whom are unionized workers who are members of Teamsters Local 357 and Teamsters Local 135. General President of the International Brotherhood of Teamsters, Sean O’Brien, and General Secretary-Treasurer at Teamsters, Fred Zuckerman, were also in attendance.

During the event, Congressman Donald Norcross presented the Republic Airways pilots and flight attendants with framed copies of Congressional Record statements detailing their heroic actions.

“I’m incredibly grateful to Captain Michael Tibaldo, First Officer James Kim, Flight Attendant Donnell Mitchell, and Flight Attendant Jaclyn Curry for saving my life,” said Congressman Donald Norcross. “Every minute matters in a medical emergency, and I’m lucky that the Republic Airlines crew was trained, equipped, and ready to respond when I was in my hour of need. It’s an honor to present the airline crew with an official Congressional Record of their heroic actions, and I once again thank them for their bravery.”

On April 6, 2025, Congressman Donald Norcross experienced a sudden medical emergency while traveling on Republic Flight 4711. The crew members and airline pilots reacted swiftly to provide the Congressman with immediate medical attention, divert the airplane, and transport him to the University of North Carolina (UNC) Rex Hospital. The Congressman was later diagnosed with sepsis.

Thanks to the pilots, flight attendants, doctors, and nurses at UNC Rex and Cooper University Hospital, Congressman Donald Norcross was able to make a full recovery from this medical emergency.

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