The Kiss of Life: A Heroic Act of Friendship and Courage

On July 17, 1967, disaster struck high above the ground as Florida lineman Randall Champion accidentally touched a 4,000-volt power line. In an instant, his heart stopped, leaving him lifeless and dangling in his safety harness. ⚡️💔

But in the face of tragedy, his coworker and close friend, J.D. Thompson, refused to give up. Without hesitation, J.D. climbed the pole to where Randall lay unconscious, pressed his lips to Randall’s, and began performing mouth-to-mouth resuscitation—dozens of feet in the air, on the crossbar of the utility pole. His determination never wavered as he fought to save his friend, continuing until paramedics arrived on the scene. 🚑💓

Incredibly, Randall survived, and just one week later, he was back at work, demonstrating the unbreakable bond of friendship and the strength of the human spirit. 💪

By sheer coincidence, photographer Rocco Morabito was on the ground, capturing this dramatic and life-saving moment. The image, later known as The Kiss of Life, won a Pulitzer Prize and became one of the most iconic photographs ever taken. It stands as a timeless symbol of bravery, friendship, and the extraordinary measures we take to save those we love.