In the summer of 1967, a routine workday in Jacksonville, Florida, unexpectedly became the setting for one of the most powerful photographs ever taken. What began as an ordinary maintenance job for two utility workers turned into a life-or-death emergency—and a timeless symbol of human courage. The image captured that day would later be known around the world as “The Kiss of Life.”
More than half a century later, the photograph remains one of the most iconic moments in American photojournalism, not because it was staged or planned, but because it documented real people responding instinctively when every second mattered.
An Ordinary Day Turns Critical
On a warm summer afternoon, two experienced electrical linemen were performing routine work on a utility pole along a quiet Jacksonville street. Among them was J.D. Champion, positioned high above the ground and secured by a safety harness. In a split second, tragedy struck when Champion accidentally came into contact with a live electrical line.
The shock caused him to lose consciousness immediately. His body went limp, suspended only by his safety belt. Without intervention, the situation could have ended very differently.
Standing below was his coworker, Randall G. Thompson, who instantly recognized the severity of the emergency. There was no time to wait for instructions or additional help. Acting purely on training and instinct, Thompson climbed the pole to reach his colleague.
A Life-Saving Decision
Once beside Champion, Thompson realized that his coworker was no longer breathing. Balancing carefully on the utility pole, surrounded by dangerous equipment and suspended high above the ground, Thompson began administering mouth-to-mouth resuscitation.
Providing emergency aid is challenging under the best conditions. Doing so dozens of feet in the air, while maintaining balance and personal safety, required remarkable focus and composure. It was a moment defined by courage, professionalism, and human compassion.
The Photographer Who Recognized History
Nearby, Rocco Morabito, a photographer for the Jacksonville Journal, happened upon the scene while heading to an unrelated assignment. Sensing that something serious was happening, he stopped and observed the unfolding rescue.
Morabito understood instantly that he was witnessing an extraordinary moment. With precision and restraint, he raised his camera and captured the exact second when Thompson leaned in to save Champion’s life. The image froze a moment of intense vulnerability, trust, and determination.
After taking the photograph, Morabito immediately contacted emergency services. Soon after, additional workers and first responders arrived, and Champion began to regain signs of life. He was later transported to a hospital and ultimately made a full recovery.
A Photograph That Spoke to the World
When the image was developed, editors immediately recognized its significance. The photograph was published and quickly spread beyond local news, capturing national and international attention. It was later given the title “The Kiss of Life,” a name that reflected both the physical act and its deeper emotional meaning.
In 1968, Morabito received the Pulitzer Prize for Spot News Photography, one of journalism’s highest honors. The award recognized the image’s immediacy, emotional impact, and its ability to tell a complete story without words.
Why the Image Endures
“The Kiss of Life” continues to resonate decades later because it represents something universal: the instinct to help another person, even at personal risk. It has become a teaching tool in journalism schools, emergency response training, and workplace safety programs around the world.
Both men at the center of the image returned to their lives. Champion recovered fully, while Thompson remained humble about his actions, often stating that he simply did what he was trained to do. That humility only strengthened the public’s admiration for him.
Morabito went on to document many other moments throughout his career, but this single photograph became his most enduring legacy.
A Timeless Reminder
In an era dominated by rapid digital content and fleeting attention, “The Kiss of Life” remains powerful because it is authentic. There were no retakes, no special effects, and no preparation—only a split-second decision that made all the difference.
At its core, the photograph is not just about danger or heroism. It is about responsibility, humanity, and the profound impact of immediate action. It reminds us that extraordinary moments often arise from ordinary people who choose to act when it matters most.
More than a historical image, “The Kiss of Life” stands as a lasting tribute to courage, compassion, and the quiet heroism found in everyday work.