Five Ocean County Health Department employees were honored this week for stepping in during a medical emergency at the county’s WIC Main Office in Lakewood.

On Wednesday, the Ocean County Board of Health gave Certificates of Appreciation to Kimberly Belanger, Valerie Carerro, Colleen McDonald, Marilynn McNeil and Jaqueline Suarez-Ruiz, the Health Department said.

According to the department, when a county resident suddenly had a medical emergency at the office, the five “sprang into action, providing critical support, life-saving care, and CPR before medical services could arrive.”

“Some moments call for more than dedication to the job,” the department wrote. “They call for courage, compassion, and the willingness to step forward when someone’s life is on the line.”

“Congratulations!” the department wrote. “The Ocean County Department is proud of your outstanding efforts in serving others!!”