Responding to a reported suicide attempt, Michigan State Police (MSP) Trooper Evan Mize didn’t panic, he didn’t tremble, he simply did what years of training had prepared him for. On April 20, 2015, Trooper Mize, who has served with the MSP Lakeview Post for three years, arrived on a scene with Carson City Police Officer Phil Andres, where they found a 22-year-old man had attempted suicide. The man was found hanging from a rafter in a garage with a chain wrapped around his neck. Mize and Andres quickly took action. Officer Andres lifted the victim while Trooper Mize untied the chain. Once the man was freed, Trooper Mize checked for vitals, but found no pulse or breathing. Trooper Mize then began CPR, instructing Officer Andres to retrieve a first aid kid for assistance. Together, the officers began performing duel CPR until an ambulance arrived with additional assistance. A short time later, a pulse was located. The man’s life had been saved. As for Trooper Mize and Officer Andres, they returned to their patrols. Their job was done. Both officers humbly say their efforts were expected of them, that working to save a life is a requirement of their job description, the Carson City community and MSP took notice. During a Carson City Council meeting, Carson City Police Chief Dave Ellis recognized Trooper Mize with the city’s “Life Saving Commendation Award,” an award Officer Andres received in June. “This was a long time coming, as the MSP has a rigorous agenda for things to be approved,” Chief Ellis said. “The emergency event required immediate attention to detail and action to avoid what could have been a detrimental outcome. Thanks to (his) quick response and actions, a tragedy was averted and a life was spared.” Trooper Mize was also recognized with a second award, the “Michigan State Police Life Saving Award,” coming from the MSP Board of Awards and signed by MSP Director Col. Kriste Etue. The award was presented to Mize by MSP Lakeview Post Lt. Rob Davis. “This is very difficult to get, in 21 years I’ve been (nominated) twice and been denied,” Davis noted. “Quick actions and knowledge of first aid … after careful consideration, it was a decision of the board of awards you be recognized with a citation of life saving,” he said. “Your services are appreciated and your deeds are one of many reasons the Michigan State Police is held in high esteem.” Trooper Mize said in receiving both awards, he hopes it serves as a reflection of the work of all officers and emergency personnel throughout Montcalm County, not himself. “I’m just very grateful to the community, especially during a time now when with law enforcement, it seems like the reaction by many is not to trust law enforcement,” he said. “I’m very honored and humbled that they thought of me with this incident. Every day officers do this, numerous lives are saved by firefighters and EMTs, so I’m very humbled they chose me. When I did what I did with Officer Andres, it was just another call on another day,” he said. “After the call, we went back to work, and we did so gratefully. That’s what we do.” Courtesy of the Daily News