Member Recognition

2001 Trooper of the Year

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Florida Highway Patrol Announces Trooper of the Year

Trooper Dearing receives the Trooper of the Year awardTrooper Michael W. Dearing has been selected as the Florida Highway Patrol Trooper of the Year for 2001 for his lifesaving actions that he performed on an infant.Trooper Dearing receives the Trooper of the Year award

 

 

 

 

 

 

On August 26, 2000, while off-duty, Trooper Dearing was on a fishing trip with his family at Steinhatchee, Florida. At approximately 9:30 a.m., Trooper Dearing was walking to the dock with his brother-in-law to board a fishing boat. A hysteric woman nearby began hollering and asking if anyone knew CPR. Dearing immediately indicated that he did and she approached him, putting the baby in his arms.

Trooper Dearing receives the Trooper of the Year award
Pictured left: Colonel Chris Knight and Lt. Colonel Larry Austin congratulate Trooper Mike Dearing for being selected Trooper of the Year for 2001.

The child was not breathing and was turning blue due to lack of oxygen. Trooper Dearing quickly performed the Heimlich maneuver by thrusting two fingers to the abdomen area in order to dislodge anything that was blocking the airway. His efforts were successful and the child began breathing again. Trooper Dearing returned the child to a grateful grandmother, Connie Foley, who thanked him for his efforts.

Trooper Dearing receives the Trooper of the Year awardTrooper Dearing’s decisiveness and quick response undoubtedly were instrumental in saving the life of this small child.