LANSING. At a special ceremony in Lansing, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue presented Tpr. Joseph Bozek (top photo) and Tpr. Brian Bitson (bottom photo) of the Hart Post with the MSP Lifesaving Award.

On June 7, 2011, Bozek and Bitson responded to a call involving an unresponsive man suffering from a drug overdose. Bozek, who was the first to arrive, found the man on the ground and quickly administered an AED, which was unsuccessful.  Bozek then attempted CPR, but the man's jaw was locked, making it difficult to keep his airway open. With assistance from Bitson, Bozek was able to administer CPR while an officer from White Cloud Police Department began chest compressions.  The officers maintained an open airway and performed CPR as instructed by the AED until emergency medical personnel arrived and could begin treatment. 

In presenting Bozek and Bitson with the MSP Lifesaving Award, the department recognizes that if it were not for their quick actions and knowledge of first aid, the man may not have survived.

Bozek enlisted with the department in 2008, graduating as a member of the 121st Trooper Recruit School. He served at the Newaygo Post before serving at the Hart Post.

Bitson enlisted with the department in 1985, graduating as a member of the 99th Trooper Recruit School. He has served at the Sandusky, Detroit, Lakeview and Newaygo posts before serving at the Hart Post.