FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:  May 1, 2002

LANSING- The Michigan State Police Board of Awards is pleased to announce that Tpr. David Allan Geyer and Tpr. Jay Joseph Kurowski of the Detroit Post are both recipients of the Michigan State Police Lifesaving Award. They are credited with administering first aid to save the life of another.

On October 13, 2001, Troopers Geyer and Kurowski were dispatched to a possible suicidal subject on a highway overpass. Upon their arrival, they found the subject standing outside the railing on a four-inch ledge holding on to the rail facing the traffic below. An off-duty Detroit police officer was on the scene attempting to talk the subject off the overpass.

As Troopers Geyer and Kurowski approached the subject, she began moving further out from the bridge. While Trooper Kurowski began talking to the subject, Trooper Geyer positioned himself behind the subject within five feet of her location. As the subject removed her hands from the rail and began to lean out, Trooper Geyer lunged over the railing and grabbed the subject, preventing her from falling. Trooper Kurowski immediately assisted in pulling the subject to safety.

In presenting this award, the Michigan State Police Board of Awards recognizes that the quick actions and presence of mind of Troopers Geyer and Kurowski played a crucial role in saving the victim’s life.

A native of Muskegon, Trooper Geyer enlisted with the department in 1998 as a member of the 117^th Recruit School. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Lakeview Post and is currently serving at the Detroit Post. Trooper Geyer holds an Associates Degree in Criminal Justice from Muskegon Community College.

A native of Pinconning, Trooper Kurowski enlisted with the department in 1998 as a member of the 117^th Recruit School. Upon graduation, he was assigned to the Lakeview Post and is currently serving at the Detroit Post.

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