In a ceremony earlier today at the Indiana Government Center, Superintendent Doug Carter presented two Troopers from the Indianapolis Post with lifesaving awards for their extraordinary efforts to save the life of another human being. These were 2 of the 56 Troopers from throughout the state who received recognition today for exemplifying their duties.
Trooper Evan Joyner - Lifesaving Award - On September 3, 2015, Trooper Evan Joyner was off-duty in his assigned patrol car in Indianapolis. Trooper Joyner observed an SUV pull to the right side of the roadway and a female get out of the vehicle waving her arms in a distressed manner. Trooper Joyner pulled in behind the SUV to determine what assistance was needed.
Upon exiting his patrol car Trooper Joyner came in contact with a mother and grandmother who were both panic-stricken and shouting that the infant was choking. Trooper Joyner contacted Indiana State Police Dispatch in Indianapolis and requested an ambulance for a choking child. Trooper Joyner located the child in a car seat in the rear of the SUV and immediately determined the child was in visible distress, as her mouth was open and she was clearly trying to inhale but was unable to do so. Joyner removed the child from the car seat and checked her mouth for any visible obstructions. He turned the child over onto his forearm and gave her several firm back blows while having her inverted. The foreign object was dislodged and the child began to take in air again. The substance of the choking was believed to be a large portion of undissolved formula.
Trooper Joyner is a five year Indiana State Police Veteran and primarly patrols Boone County.
Trooper Luis Deffit - Lifesaving Award - January 28, 2016, Trooper Luis Deffit responded to a single vehicle crash in Greenwood, Indiana. The driver was found slumped over the steering wheel at a stop light. As witnesses tried to check on the unresponsive man, his foot came off of the brake and the vehicle began rolling forward. The vehicle crossed all lanes of traffic and struck a light pole, knocking out all power to the traffic signals and local businesses.
When Trooper Deffit arrived, two-man CPR was already being performed on the male subject by Greenwood Fire Department Assistant Chief Darin Hoggatt and Ortho Indy Doctor Charles Smith. After a couple cycles of compressions, Assistant Chief Hoggatt had Trooper Deffit relieved him. Assistant Chief Hoggatt and Trooper Deffit rotated giving chest compressions until the emergency medical services arrived and an automated external defibrillator (AED) was applied to the patient. The man was revived after one application of electrical therapy and was transported to Saint Francis South Hospital.
The male subject had emergency surgery and stents were placed in both arteries. He was released from the hospital and is expected to make a full recovery, thanks to the lifesaving efforts of these three men.
Trooper Deffitt is a three year Indiana State Police Veteran and primarily patrols Johnson County.
Photo 1: Trooper Evan Joyner
Photo 2: Trooper Luis Deffit
