September 22, 2005

East Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Jeremy S. Brewer and Trooper Jason D. Byrd of the Lansing Post have been awarded the MSP Bravery Award. Brewer and Byrd are credited with risking their lives and placing themselves in serious danger during the rescue of victims from a burning building.

On February 26, Brewer and Byrd joined other law enforcement officers at the scene of a senior citizen apartment building fire in which many residents were still inside the building. Although they did not have respirators, Brewer and Byrd entered the smoke filled building, feeling their way through every room in search of residents.

Due to medical conditions, many of the residents and their medical equipment had to be carried out of the building. Brewer and Byrd assisted in the evacuation of 15 people and checked the five floors to make sure no one was left inside the building.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards determined the heroic actions of Brewer and Byrd and their willingness to ignore their own personal safety and well-being were instrumental in the safe evacuation of residents from the building.

Brewer and Byrd joined the department in 2000 and graduated as members of the 119th Trooper Recruit School. After graduation, they were both assigned to the Lansing Post.

Read more news releases from the Michigan State Police.