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TOLEDO -- One reward at Wednesday's Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Ceremony did not go to a firefighter but to his wife.

The tables turned for Tatjania Sakowski and her husband Dennis in February when he collapsed on the floor and she saved his life.

Recalling the minutes after her husband's collapse brought tears to Tatjania's eyes.

The task was physically and emotionally grueling as she had to pump Dennis's heart at least 100 times per minute to ensure his survival.

"The first two responders that would have been the closest to us were at a fire and they had to go to another responder that was even further from our home and it just took that much longer for someone to get there," said Tatjania.

She relied on decades of experience as a nurse and her husband pulled through.

"I'm glad I have her as a wife. That's all I can say. It kind of sums everything up," said Dennis.

In fact, Dennis is doing so well he is already back at work and nearly ready to resume saving lives himself.

"I'm on light duty right now," said Dennis. "I got tired of staying at home. I'm hoping to get back sometime in July."

For Tatjania, the recognition is humbling.

She feels thankful people do what she did everyday.

"I was just very surprised and very appreciative," said Tatjania.

And while the couple would not want to relive their experience she says she is glad some lesson has been learned from it.

"I've been told after this incident there are many other firefighters' wives that have gone and taken the CPR class and they say it is because of you that we see what it can do," Tatjania said.

Complete list of honorees at this year's Toledo Fire and Rescue Department Awards and Recognition Ceremony