East Lansing - The Michigan State Police (MSP) Board of Awards is pleased to announce Trooper Michael Stephens of the Newaygo Post is a recipient of the MSP Lifesaving Award.

On July 13, 2006, Stephens was dispatched to assist other emergency personnel with an elderly man who was not breathing. Once arriving on scene, Stephens began chest compressions and one of the paramedics performed rescue breathing. While Stephens continued administering first aid, a second paramedic obtained an Automated External Defibrillator (AED) to shock the subject.

Stephens continued chest compressions between each shock from the AED and while the subject was loaded into the ambulance. The subject was transported to the local hospital and was later transferred to a nursing home.

In presenting the Lifesaving Award, the Board of Awards credits Stephens with performing significant lifesaving actions and recognizes his knowledge of first aid techniques helped save the subject's life.

Stephens joined the department in 1999, and graduated as a member of the 118th Trooper Recruit School. After graduation, he was assigned to the Newaygo Post where he has served for the past seven years. Stephens is a native of Ionia and graduated from Ionia High School where he met his wife, Jennifer. Stephens resides in Howard City with his wife and two sons.

FOR ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

F/Lt. Terry Harris, Newaygo Post commander, (231) 652-1661