LANSING. At a special ceremony today in Lansing, Michigan State Police (MSP) Director Colonel Peter C. Munoz presented Ms. Nina Heath of the MSP Budget and Financial Services Division with the MSP Lifesaving Award. She is credited with performing significant actions resulting in the saving of a life.
On March 1, 2009, while at a bowling tournament, Heath heard several people yelling for help. She identified herself as a first responder and approached a woman tending to another woman who was lying in a bowling lane.
Heath and the other responder determined the victim had no pulse and was not breathing, so they began administering first aid. Following several minutes of CPR, the victim vomited and a heartbeat resumed. Heath and the other responder continued monitoring the victim until emergency medical personnel arrived.
Upon reviewing the circumstances of this incident, the MSP Board of Awards concluded Heath's quick actions and knowledge of first aid techniques saved the woman's life.
Heath joined the department in 1986, as a member of the 17th Capitol Security Recruit School. She has worked in the Human Resources Division and Management Services Division, and currently serves as an MSP First Aid Instructor. Her son, Anthony Coppola, is currently serving in the US Army.