January 14, 2010 - Newberry Post Troopers Receive Lifesaving Award

Contact: F/Lt. David Hopper, Newberry Post Commander, (906) 293-5152

Agency: State Police

LANSING.  At a special ceremony today in Lansing, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Peter C. Munoz presented Tpr. Patrick McNeely and Tpr. David Moeggenborg of the Newberry Post with the MSP Lifesaving Award.  They are credited with performing significant actions resulting in the saving of a life.    

On Aug. 23, 2009, McNeely and Moeggenborg were at the Luce County Jail when they were alerted to a subject hanging by the neck from the bars of the cell door.  While Moeggenborg attempted to lift the prisoner to relieve the stress on his neck, Trooper McNeely obtained a pair of scissors and cut the noose. 

The subject had no pulse and was not breathing, so the troopers immediately began administering first aid, including the use of an Automated External Defibrillator (AED).  After a few minutes, the prisoner began breathing on his own.

Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards concluded McNeely and Moeggenborg's quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques saved the prisoner's life.

McNeely enlisted with the department in 1994, graduating as a member of the 110th Trooper Recruit School.  Prior to his assignment at the Newberry Post, he served at the East Tawas and Detroit posts.

Moeggenborg enlisted with the department in 1995, graduating as a member of the 111th Trooper Recruit School.  After graduation he was assigned to the Newberry Post.