Crime & Safety

Utica Police Officers Save OUPD Officer's Life

Two Utica police officers were recognized Tuesday night for saving the life of an Oakland University police officer.

Two officers are credited with saving the life of an Oakland University police officer who went into a cardiac arrest last month during a firearms training session at a Shelby Township gun range.

OUDP Chief Samuel C. Lucido sent a letter to the Utica Police Department thanking the quick-thinking officers and the OUPD for their lifesaving actions.

During the OUPD firearms training drill at the Detroit Sportsmen's Congress range in Shelby Township in May, OUPD Sgt. Douglas Godwin suffered a cardiac arrest.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

Utica police officer Douglas Julien, who had just left the range himself after a training session, was listening to the police traffic radio and heard the emergency call for an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Julien immediately alerted Utica Sgt. Sean Coady, who was still at the range. Coady had an AED in his squad car. While members of the OUPD gave Godwin CPR, Coady ran out to his vehicle and grabbed the AED. The AED was used on Godwin, who was immediately transported to Troy Beaumont Hospital.

Find out what's happening in Shelby-Uticawith free, real-time updates from Patch.

"The AED getting there so quickly is what saved his life," said Interim Utica Police Chief Dave Faber.

Lucido said a doctor who treated Godwin said that the officers' quick response and knowledge of how to use the AED saved Godwin’s life.

“The officers couldn’t have done it more by the book,” the doctor told Lucido.

Godwin was recently released from the hospital and is recovering at home.

“We are truly grateful for the high level of professionalism and attention to duty exhibited by Officer Julien and Sergent Coady,” said Lucido. “On behalf of the men and women of the OUPD, please extend our deepest appreciation and gratitude for their efforts.”


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