DOWAGIAC - Each week, West Michigan’s Most Wanted and Grand Rapids Harley Davidson recognizes a public servant that goes above and beyond the call of duty to help the community he or she is a part of.
These week, a pair of officers from the Pokagon Tribal Police force are being recognized for their efforts that likely saved a young girl's life.
Officers Trent DeGroff and Kevin Slater were honored at a recent Tribal Council meeting in Dowagiac following their actions to a call for help in February in Watervliet.
A father was administering CPR to his daughter who was reportedly in full cardiac arrest when the officers arrived on scene. A quick medical assessment by Officer DeGroff found the child had a pulse with labored breathing, asking the father to stop chest compressions to prevent serious injury.
Officer DeGroff would soon learn the young girl was asthmatic, administering a breathing treatment from an inhaler, which the young girl responded to.
Officer DeGroff then carried the girl to an ambulance at the scene, alert and talking before she was transported to the hospital for further evaluation.
During a recent ceremony (pictured), both officers were presented with a bear claw choker and a carving of an eagle feather on cedar. The bear claw symbolizing the bear clan, representing the bear clan, traditional protectors of the community, significant to the Potawatomi. The eagle feather also holds significant spiritual meaning, with cedar considered a healing medicine.
Congratulations to both Officers DeGroff and Slater for being named the Grand Rapids Harley Davidson Heroes of the Week for the week of April 4.
