On Jan. 31, 2009, a pickup truck pulled into the Negaunee Post parking lot with its hazard lights flashing and the driver honking the horn.  O'Hagan and Gardner approached the vehicle to investigate the problem and discovered the passenger, who required a portable oxygen canister, was not breathing.  O'Hagan and Gardner administered first aid and summoned emergency medical personnel to transport the victim to the hospital, where she was treated for respiratory medical issues.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards concluded the quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques by O'Hagan and Gardner saved the victim's life.  

O'Hagan enlisted with the department in 1989, and graduated as a member of the 106th Trooper Recruit School.  He was first assigned to the Negaunee Post and promoted to sergeant in 1997.  A native of Manistee, O'Hagan now resides in Marquette with his wife, Michelle, and three sons, Bradley, Douglas, and Gregory.

Gardner has served as an emergency dispatcher at the Negaunee Regional Dispatch Center, located at the Negaunee Post, since 1994.  A native of Minnesota, Gardner is a firefighter and emergency medical technician with Michigamme-Spurr Fire/EMS.  He currently resides in Michigamme with his wife, Roxane.