EXCELSIOR SPRINGS – After Ray Yates suffered a heart attack at Riteway Auto, paramedic Chris Blanchard and Excelsior Springs Fire Department Capt. Doug Fales rushed him to the hospital. At the hospital, Yates’ heart stopped beating. He was “dead” for about 90 seconds in April 2020, but doctors resuscitated him and put two stents in his heart, Yates said. Because of the Excelsior Springs Fire Department’s “quick and attentive actions,” Yates said he has no damage to his heart and made a full recovery. Six months later, Yates’ wife, Mindy Yates, also suffered a heart attack and the Excelsior Springs Fire Department hurried her to the hospital. Ray said he and his wife owe their lives and recoveries to the department. On Father’s Day, Ray received a barbecue grill from Mindy. A grill company representative advised that the company gives discounts to those who award a product to a local fire department...