Police Officer Phil Andres was on a routine patrol of the Carson City Regional Correctional Facility when he suddenly found himself summoned to the most intense emergency call of his young career. On April 20, 2015, while patrolling the perimeter of the prison, the Carson City officer received a call for assistance with a patient who was “unresponsive and not breathing.” “At that point, you don’t ask questions. You just go,” Andres said. “You just answer the call and do your job.” Andres was joined by Trooper Evan Mize of the Michigan State Police Lakeview Post, where they found a male patient — unresponsive and not breathing. For Andres, it was the first time he encountered such a serious medical situation, but there was no time to reflect on his inexperience. “It was intense, but my training kicked right in and I kept my composure,” he said. “Once we established that he wasn’t breathing, Trooper Mize and myself tried to revive the subject.” The officers began the process of CPR, working together in an attempt to save the patient’s life. After a few moments of uncertainty, Andres and Mize were met with joy and relief: The patient’s heart began to beat again. “Once our actions were completed, we successfully got a heart rate back from the patient,” Andres recalled. “He was then transported to Carson Hospital for further treatment.” Andres’ actions were officially recognized during a Carson City Council meeting when Police Chief Dave Ellis presented him with a lifesaving award for his actions. “Thanks to your quick response and actions, this tragedy was averted and a life was spared,” Chief Ellis said. “This incident could have ended very differently had it not been for the determination and courage that all of the officers displayed on this occasion.” Ellis said he was especially proud of Andres, who was the lone officer with the department when Ellis was hired as police chief last autumn. Andres helped Ellis become familiar with the Carson City community. “In taking over in October, I had the privilege to work with Phil,” Ellis said. “He showed me the ropes with some of the software and the rules of Montcalm County, and he’s also adjusted to some of the things I’ve asked him to do. He’s done a good job.” Ellis said Andres and Mize, as well as the Montcalm County Rescue Squad and Emergency Medical Services workers, worked admirably to successfully save the life of one of the community’s residents. “The incident involved an emergency event that required immediate attention to detail and action to avoid what could have been a detrimental outcome,” he said. “We extend our gratitude and thanks for a job well done, and we appreciate you for all that you do for Carson City.” Joined by his mother, father, and girlfriend, Andres was overwhelmed with emotion as he told The Daily News how thankful he was to be recognized by the community. “I’ve never been recognized for something as distinguished as that,” he said. “It’s great to know that people are watching and people know that … in the light of all the things that are happening around the nation, it’s good to know that people know that we do care. We care about the community that we serve and we look our for everybody we can.” After 18 months with the department, Andres has certainly made his mark and will surely continue to serve its citizens with pride and determination. “It’s a great sense of pride to be recognized by the community,” he said. “When I signed up, I didn’t sign up for the recognition. I signed up to do a job and that’s exactly what I did.” Courtesy Daily News