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Pictured, left to right, are Sgt. Joshua Karafa of the Shelby Police Department; Officer Aaron Cavner of the Hart Police Department; Michigan State Police F/Lt. Jeff White; Trooper Trevor Beck; and Trooper Joshua Greeno.
Officers honored for saving lives during apartment fire.
#OceanaCountyNews
By Allison Scarbrough. Editor.
HART — Michigan State Police F/Lt. Jeff White, commander of the Hart post, presented four local police officers MSP awards Wednesday, July 26, for their heroic efforts during a massive apartment fire at the Parkview Manor in Hart that occurred in the middle of a frigid night last December.
Receiving “Life Saving” awards are troopers Trevor Beck and Joshua Greeno. Receiving “Professional Excellence” awards are Officer Aaron Cavner of the Hart Police Department and Sgt. Joshua Karafa of the Shelby Police Department. The four officers were honored during a ceremony at the Hart City Hall.
Letters from MSP Director Kriste Kibbey Etue commend the officers for their bravery while assisting two residents who were trapped inside one of the burning apartment buildings. “The victims survived as a result of your quick response,” Etue wrote.
“The first victim was found on the second floor of the building with his head hanging out of the window,” Etue writes to Trooper Beck. “He advised you that he was trapped and could not get out of the building. 
After checking several doors and windows, you located the second victim who was also trapped on the second floor. Trooper Greeno entered a first-story apartment in an attempt to find a stairwell, but was unable to continue due to thick, black smoke on the other side of the main door.
“At this time, a fire truck arrived with an extension ladder that you used to set up underneath the first victim’s window. Along with a firefighter, you climbed the ladder and were able to extract the victim from the window and bring him safely to the ground. Trooper Greeno helped the second victim escape by climbing onto an air conditioner 
unit instructing the female victim to hang out of her window and drop down to him. With the assistance of Officer Cavner of the Hart Police Department and Officer Karafa (who has since been promoted to sergeant) of the Shelby Police Department, the female victim was able to drop out of her window and be safely caught without injury. After both subjects were safely on the ground, they were assessed by emergency personnel.”
“Your deeds are one of the many reasons the Michigan State Police is held in such high esteem within our state and nation,” Etue writes.
Thanks to the officers’ actions, no lives were lost in the fire, and only minor injuries occurred.
“These young men are heroes,” said Commander White.
This story is copyrighted © 2017, all rights reserved by Media Group 31, LLC, PO Box 21, Scottville, MI 49454. No portion of this story or images may be reproduced in any way, including print or broadcast, without expressed written consent.
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