Miami-based recruiter saves life of shooting victim Published April 4, 2008 By Staff Sgt. Mike Burchfield 333rd Recruiting Squadron MELBOURNE, Fla. -- A recruiter's former life as an Air Force "cop" helped him save the life of a Miami shooting victim March 19. Staff Sgt. Jason Procaccino, a 333rd Recruiting Squadron Miami-based recruiter and former security forces member, was in South Beach visiting his brother who was in the city for spring break. While the two headed to a nearby restroom, the recruiter heard what he thought was a gunshot. "Instinctively, I reacted just as I was trained to do as a cop - took cover and protected my brother until I could determine that we were out of harm's way," Sergeant Procaccino said. The recruiter's suspicion held true. A civilian had been shot. Once the sergeant felt it was safe to move in, he rushed to the victim and began to administer first aid until help could arrive. "I couldn't let the perpetrator get away, and ordered one of the bystanders to keep an eye on him so we could have enough useful information for police," said Sergeant Procaccino. The recruiter continued to give first aid to the victim until paramedics arrived. Police captured the shooter just as the ambulance carried the victim to the hospital. Sergeant Procaccino's actions are indicative of the skills and confidence that Airmen acquire through Air Force training, which ultimately serve them well for a lifetime. "This young recruiter acted heroically and epitomizes what it means to be an Airman in today's Air Force," said Lt. Col. Mike Tilemma, 333rd RCS commander.