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Hurckman Mechanical Industries, Inc. is honored to share that Joseph “Joe” Van Den Elzen, Sheet Metal Shop Supervisor, has received the American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action for saving the life and arm of fellow employee Shayn Quick during a workplace emergency over Labor Day weekend. The award was presented at HMI’s Headquarters in downtown Green Bay by Rebecca Rockhill, Executive Director of the American Red Cross Northeast Wisconsin Chapter.
This recognition is one of the Red Cross’s highest civilian honors and is awarded sparingly. Joe’s award was the eighth presented in Wisconsin this year, underscoring the extraordinary nature of his actions.
What Happened That Day and How a Life Was Saved
Over Labor Day weekend 2025, Shayn was working on a high-risk job site when a piece of expandable metal severed both veins in his right arm, leaving him in a pool of blood. He immediately felt shock and fear and knew he needed help fast. He ran toward Joe, dropping to his knees.
Joe was roughly 50–100 yards away and knew something was wrong the moment he saw Shayn fall. When he saw the severity of the injury, Joe reacted instinctively. He removed his belt and used it as a tourniquet — a fast, decisive action that stopped further blood loss and ultimately saved Shayn’s life.
Shayn was rushed to the hospital via ambulance, with Joe following closely behind. He underwent two surgeries on his arm and, after weeks of healing, is now fully recovered and back to work.
“Joe jumped into action, and thanks to him, I’m still here. I’ll never forget what he did for me,” said Shayn Quick. “I’m also grateful to be working for a company like Hurckman Mechanical Industries that has safety as a top priority, reacting to all situations the same, whether it be a simple injury or something major.”
Medical staff later confirmed that Joe’s quick action prevented what could have been a catastrophic outcome, saving both Shayn’s life and his arm.
The American Red Cross Award Ceremony
The award presentation at HMI was deeply emotional. During her remarks, Rebecca Rockhill explained that emergencies can happen anywhere — in a parking lot, at home, or in the workplace, even with the strongest safety measures in place. She emphasized that in moments of crisis, people often freeze, forget what to do, or simply watch in fear. Yet across situations, one thing is almost always true: there is usually a hero who steps forward.
Rebecca shared that a hero is someone admired for their achievements and noble qualities, someone who shows great courage, and someone idealized for their outstanding actions. Saving a life without hesitation embodies all of those qualities, and this is precisely the spirit the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action is meant to honor.
“Joe, you exemplify the mission of the Red Cross … and we commend you and your willingness to help others,” Rebecca shared during her speech.
What Are the American Red Cross Lifesaving Awards?
Rebecca shared that the Red Cross Lifesaving Awards program has a long-standing history, dating back to 1911. Since its start, the program has recognized extraordinary individuals who selflessly save or sustain a life. What began as a single recognition evolved in 1950 into a three-tier awards system that honors different types of responders.
- Certificate of Merit: For Red Cross-trained individuals and off-duty Professional Responders
- Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders: For Red Cross-trained Professional Responders and Healthcare Professionals acting while on duty
- Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action: For individuals and teams who are not Red Cross trained.
Joe Van Den Elzen received the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action.
Who Joe is to Hurckman Mechanical
Joe joined Hurckman in 2016 at just 17 years old, starting as a youth apprentice while attending Bay Port High School. He went on to become a pre-apprentice, completed his five-year journeyman apprenticeship with HMI through Sheet Metal Workers Local 18 Union, and quickly built a reputation as one of the hardest-working, most reliable, and genuine people on our team.
In September 2023, Joe was promoted to Sheet Metal Shop Supervisor, where he now oversees our 16,000-square-foot sheet metal shop — a responsibility he carries with steady leadership, humility, and real respect for the people he works alongside.
Those who work with Joe describe him as thoughtful, grounded, and someone who shows up every single day ready to put in the work. His growth at HMI is a direct reflection of his character, and his actions over Labor Day weekend only reinforced what everyone already knew: Joe is exactly the kind of person you want beside you — on the job, in an emergency, and as a leader.
What Others Can Learn
Joe shared that he has never encountered anything like this in the workplace. Minor cuts and everyday injuries happen, but never something this serious. He is grateful he was prepared, but also clear that you can never predict when an emergency will happen, especially in an industry where risk is always present.
Both Joe and HMI Safety Director Cory Delwiche emphasized one thing: basic CPR and first aid training can make all the difference. Joe had taken these courses ahead of time, never expecting to use them in a situation like this — but when the moment came, those skills paid off in a way no one could have imagined.
This incident doesn’t change HMI’s approach to safety; it reinforces it. It shows that the protocols, training, and readiness we have in place work. Our employees are prepared and will step up. Joe’s actions that day remind us just how much that matters.
We are incredibly proud of Joe. His bravery and quick thinking touched every person in the room, and we could not be more grateful to have him on our team.
How to Get Training or Nominate a Hero
We encourage anyone who is interested to consider taking a class or learning more. While no one ever expects to use these skills, being prepared can make all the difference in a critical moment.
