Saving Lives

First Responders Recognized for Lifesaving Efforts

NEWAYGO, Mich., 1-06-2021 – At the end of 2020, the Newaygo Fire District (NFD) recognized the lifesaving efforts of its’ firefighters and medical first responders during two emergency calls, which resulted in saving two lives.

The first call took place July 18th when NFD personnel responded to a reported drowning on the Muskegon River. Personnel arrived on scene and assisted Life EMS, Newaygo County Sheriff's Department, and DNR to provide lifesaving care on the scene as well as during transport to the hospital. Bystanders with CPR training are credited with starting lifesaving efforts.

On September 21, 2020, the second call took place when NFD was dispatched to a CPR in progress following a motor vehicle accident in the City of Newaygo. Personnel arrived at the scene and worked with Life EMS, Newaygo Police Department, and Michigan State Police to provide lifesaving care on the scene and during transport to the hospital.

Due to the efforts of emergency crews on both scenes, these patients have made a full recovery.

"I am very proud of the quick and professional response from our members," stated Chief Travis Kroll. "Effective CPR, especially if performed in the first few minutes, can double or triple a person's chance of survival. This further proves our responders' training and continuing education is vital in producing positive outcomes for our patients."

NFD firefighters and medical first responders awarded for their efforts were Martin Badge, Matthew Baker, Trever Haring, Matthew Hikade, Q'Sun Ma, Jason Newfer, David Otteren, Tamara Schumacker, Jason Fowler, Travis Kroll, Andrew Kulikowski, Ashley Long, Jeremy Newfer and Teresa VanDyke.