The Federal Way Police Department recognized multiple officers this month for their life-saving actions.

Chief Andy Hwang shared at the Federal Way City Council meeting on April 15 that “not all police agencies respond to CPR calls, but we do because protecting and saving lives is our number one priority.”

Hwang explained that “police officers are in the field, and quite often, we can respond quicker to the scene when every second counts and begin the life-saving efforts until relieved by the fire professionals from South King Fire or King County Medic,” adding that “this is a great partnership, and we have saved many lives over the years.”

An overdose was not the end

Corporal Chris Mickelsen has been honored with the 2024 Life-Saving Award for saving a man who had overdosed.

On April 15, the Federal Way Police Department posted on Facebook that it had honored Mickelsen for his efforts during a Dec. 12, 2024, CPR in progress call where he responded and ultimately saved a man’s life. According to the department, when Mickelsen arrived to the scene, he located a male on the ground experiencing a medical emergency and receiving CPR from another individual. The department stated that Mickelsen assessed the victim and recognized he had no pulse, was not breathing and had a bluish hue to his lips.

According to the department, Mickelsen recognized that the man had overdosed and administered one dose of Narcan nasal spray to the victim. According to the department, Mickelsen began performing CPR for about 90 seconds until the victim responded with a sudden, deep breath.

“The victim’s pulse was restored and Corporal Mickelsen rolled him to a recovery position until fire personnel arrived. The victim regained consciousness and ultimately survived the ordeal due to the quick thinking and fast action of Corporal Mickelsen,” the department stated. “Please join us in recognizing and thanking him for his dedication to serving and protecting our community.”

A 20 percent chance of survival

Officer Michael Wells was also honored.

“We are sincerely grateful and deeply blessed by Officer Wells’ commitment to go above and beyond the call of duty and to all the others involved in saving my life,” Steven Kness told the council April 15.

Kness shared that one year earlier, his heart stopped four times due to a blood clot as a result of a knee replacement surgery.

At approximately 10 a.m. April 15, 2024, Officer Wells and other officers responded to the scene to the emergency. Wells began performing CPR with the support of two other officers who ensured the scene was secure until the three were relieved by South King Fire personnel.

One year after his lifesaving actions, Wells was honored at the Federal Way City Council meeting for responding to the cardiac arrest incident. On that memorable day, Kness shared that his wife, Bonnie Kness, began CPR.

“Bonnie called our church right away and prayer started immediately once we arrived at the hospital,” Kness said.

After a challenging decision by the ER doctor about whether he was fit enough to benefit from a “clotbuster medication,” Kness said even after he stabilized, his wife was told things were not looking good.

Although he was physically fit due to being a trail runner, she was told he had a “20 percent chance of survival and probably brain damage from going without oxygen for so long,” but 30 minutes later, he woke up from an induced coma with no damage to his brain, lungs or heart.

Kness said in his heartfelt message to the officers and his medical team that “we have no doubt that all were there that day on purpose all had God-given skills and God used everyone involved to save my life, thank you all.”

Corporal Chris Mickelsen with Federal Way Police Department Chief Andy Hwang. Courtesy photo