FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE: April 29, 2002

LANSING. The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce Tpr. Kris V. Douponce of the Battle Creek Post is a recipient of the Michigan State Police Lifesaving Award. He is credited with administering first aid to save the life of another.

On August 20, 2001, Trooper Douponce was dispatched to a one-car personal injury accident. Upon approaching the vehicle, he found the driver uninjured and his wife, the passenger, unconscious and unresponsive. After removing the victim from the vehicle and placing her on the ground, Trooper Douponce assessed that she had no vital signs. Trooper Douponce initiated CPR for four cycles, which restored her pulse, but she still was not breathing. Next, he administered rescue breathing, and after several cycles, the victim began breathing on her own. Upon EMT arrival, Trooper Douponce continued rescue breathing while accompanying the victim to the hospital.

In presenting this award, the Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that Trooper Douponce’s quick actions and first aid techniques helped to save the victim’s life.

Trooper Douponce enlisted with the department in 1994 as a member of the 110th Recruit School. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Rockford Post and later to the Battle Creek Post where he serves as canine handler.

A native of Bay City, Trooper Douponce holds a Bachelor of Science from Central Michigan University and is M.L.E.O.T.C. Certified from Delta College Basic Police Training Academy. Trooper Douponce is a graduate of the U.S. Army Ranger School, Airborne and Air Assault Schools. He was a commissioned officer in the Army and participated in Reserve Officers Training Corp. Trooper Douponce is also a graduate of Infantry Officers Basic Course.

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