Heroes Who Serve: 5 First Responders Keeping Michigan Safe

Michigan is home to dedicated first responders who go above and beyond to keep their communities safe. That’s why Patch and T-Mobile have teamed up to spotlight EMTs, firefighters and police officers who are making a difference every day.

Check out five outstanding Michigan first responders who are making an impact. And if you know a hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate a first responder for a chance to be featured in our Heroes Who Serve series on Patch!

Loutinent Ed Hansen (Montcalm Township) — This February, Lt. Ed Hansen of the Montcalm Township Fire Department was honored with the FOX 17 Spotlight Award for his lifelong dedication to serving his community. Hansen has spent 17 years giving back to his community as a full-time road commission employee, a township board member and a paid on-call firefighter. Known as the "face of the department," he has been named Firefighter of the Year multiple times and remains ready to help at a moment’s notice. His humility and commitment were praised by his chief, who called the recognition a proud moment for the entire department. Read more here.

Sgt. Cole Martin and Trooper Brandon Franklin (Jackson County) — Sgt. Cole Martin and Trooper Brandon Franklin of the Michigan State Police were featured in a Good Morning America article after their lifesaving aerial search helped rescue a missing 2-year-old earlier this month. After the toddler wandered away from his home in Blackman Charter Township, the two officers used a helicopter’s heat-seeking infrared camera to scan the area. Within 15 minutes, they spotted movement in a roadside ditch and located the child, who was found conscious and alert. The quick response likely saved the toddler’s life as temperatures had dropped below freezing. Read more here.

Officer Brenden Fraser (Warren) — In August 2023, Officer Brenden Fraser of the Warren Police Department saved the life of an 18-month-old baby who was choking inside a speeding vehicle. Calm under pressure, Fraser immediately assessed the situation, removed the unresponsive child from the car, and successfully cleared the baby’s airway with firm back blows. The heroic rescue, captured on dashcam, highlighted Fraser’s quick thinking and ability to calm the panicked family during a life-or-death moment. Officer Fraser has been nominated for a life-saving award and praised on social media for his composure and bravery. Read more here.

Officer Liz Demuynck (Utica) — In October 2024, Officer Liz Demuynck of the Utica Police Department helped a young couple safely reach the hospital while the woman was in active labor. After noticing their truck weaving through traffic and making an illegal turn, Demuynck quickly learned they were racing to deliver their baby and immediately stepped in to help. Drawing on her own experience as a mother, she escorted them to Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital, ensuring they arrived safely. The moment was captured on the officer’s body cam and highlighted her swift, compassionate response during a stressful and critical situation. Read more here.

Jacob Brooklier (Lansing) — This past March, Officer Jacob Brooklier of the Warren Police Department saved the life of a young boy who was found unresponsive at an indoor hotel pool. Calm under pressure, Brooklier sprinted through the building, cleared the crowd, and performed chest compressions for about two minutes until the boy started breathing again. Paramedics arrived shortly after and transported the child to the hospital, where he was treated and released. The heroic moment was captured on the officer’s body cam, highlighting his quick action and life-saving skills in a critical situation. Read more here.

We’re fortunate in Michigan to have first responders like these working tirelessly to keep us safe. If you know a local hero who deserves recognition, we want to hear about them! Click here to nominate them to be featured on Patch!