January 27, 2003

Lansing - The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Trooper Richard Pazder and Trooper Terry L. VanHoose of the Battle Creek Post have been awarded the Michigan State Police Lifesaving Award. They are credited with saving the life of a woman involved in a traffic accident.

On August 1, 2002, Pazder and VanHoose were dispatched to a serious rollover accident in Leroy Township. Upon arrival they found the vehicle burning with the occupant trapped inside and screaming for help. VanHoose attempted to break the windows of the vehicle to extricate the driver, while Pazder operated a fire extinguisher to slow the spread of the fire. Flames had totally engulfed the vehicle when VanHoose and a fireman pulled the driver to safety. The driver was treated for second and third degree burns on her legs.

The Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that Pazder and VanHoose’s willingness to set aside their own personal safety and ability to take quick action saved the driver’s life.

Pazder enlisted with the department in 1997, and graduated as a member of the115^th Trooper Recruit School. He is assigned to the Battle Creek Post. A native of Baroda, Pazder currently lives in Portage.

VanHoose enlisted with the department in 1988, and was a graduate of the 103^rd Trooper Recruit School. He served at the Bad Axe Post until his transfer to the Battle Creek Post in 1995. Prior to attending recruit school, VanHoose was a motor carrier officer. A native of Battle Creek, VanHoose currently lives in Burlington.

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