When a golfer at Old Fort Golf Club had a heart attack, Golf Department Shop Manager Christopher Randolph sprung into action.

"Because of Chris's quick response and actions, I was able to be home celebrating Christmas with my family. His actions were no doubt above and beyond the call of duty," said Preston L. Wilkerson, a Murfreesboro golfer. 

On Monday, Dec. 17, Wilkerson was playing golf and started feeling ill. His fellow players helped him to the club house, he said.

"At this point, Chris took control of the situation. I remember only parts of what took place, but I remember Chris sitting beside me giving me comfort and encouragement. He had a defibrillator sitting beside us, if needed," Wilkerson said.

When paramedics arrived, Randolph told them what was happening as they rendered aid to Wilkerson, who had two stents implanted during emergency surgery at Saint Thomas Rutherford Hospital  

"The doctor indicated the blockages were 99.9 and 80 percent, and if the quick and decisive action had not been taken I would have had a major heart damage," Wilkerson said. 

Randolph also called Wilkerson's family, so they were able to make it to the hospital before he was taken into surgery.

"Chris also sent out e-mails to my fellow players advising them of my status," Wilkerson said. "He called to check on me after I was released and at home. ... I am thankful we live here because of the people who make a difference."

For his quick thinking, Randolph has been named STARS award recipient for January 2019. Randolph is another example of representing the City in a positive light, exhibiting the core values and creating a better quality of life for citizens, a press release from the city said. 

Mayor Shane McFarland recognized Randolph (pictured above) during the Thursday,  Jan. 17 meeting of the Murfreesboro City Council with the STARS award for Outstanding Performance: “Succeeding Through Attitudes Reflecting Service Excellence.” 

Randolph has served the City and the Golf Department since August 1994, first as a part-time Golf Shop helper then beginning in March 1997 as the full-time Shop Manager for Old Fort Golf Club.

The STARS Service Excellence program is intended to recognize outstanding employees who embody the city’s standards for service excellence and exemplify the city’s core service values. The purpose of the STARS award is to recognize and reward those employees who go above and beyond their normal job duties in providing outstanding customer service to internal and external customers.