MISSOURI STATE HIGHWAY PATROL
a division of the
DEPARTMENT OF PUBLIC SAFETY

Troop F Headquarters - 2920 North Shamrock Road - Jefferson City, MO 65102


NEWS RELEASE

For further information please contact: Sergeant Scott White
573-751-1000
F161003
October 20, 2016

EMPHASIS: Patrol To Award Honorary Trooper Certificate To Columbia College Volleyball Coach

Captain Michael A. Turner, commanding officer of Troop F, announces a Columbia woman will receive the Patrol’s Honorary Trooper Certificate. The Honorary Trooper Certificate is presented to a non-employee who performs in an exemplary manner, and under dangerous conditions, to aid another, or who unselfishly assists a member in the performance of their duties. The Columbia College volleyball coach was nominated due to her actions at the Columbia College gymnasium in Boone County. The presentation will be held at 3:30 p.m. on Friday, October 21, 2016, at the Columbia College Southwell Gymnasium, in Columbia, Missouri.

On August 8, 2016, Trooper Brandon L. Harris arrived at the Columbia College gymnasium to play basketball. As he was entering the gymnasium, Trooper Harris observed a fellow basketball player collapse on the basketball court. Trooper Harris went over to the victim and found him to be non-responsive with labored breathing. Columbia College volleyball coach Melinda Wrye-Washington was in the athletic training room when she was notified someone needed help in the gymnasium. Upon responding to the gymnasium, Ms. Wrye-Washington observed Trooper Harris placing the victim into the recovery position. While in the recovery position, the victim stopped breathing. Trooper Harris directed the gathering group to call 911, placed the victim on his back, and began chest compressions. Ms. Wrye-Washington retrieved an AED from the athletic training room, and with the assistance from Trooper Harris attached the AED to the victim. The AED indicated a shock was advised. After the shock, the AED monitored the victim and indicated chest compressions should continue. Trooper Harris continued with chest compressions until the victim gasped for air. When EMS arrived, the victim was breathing on his own and had regained a pulse.

The victim was transported to University Hospital and regained consciousness later that day.

“Trooper Harris and Ms. Wrye-Washington’s actions symbolize the core values of the Missouri State Highway Patrol, and without a doubt were instrumental in saving this man’s life,” said Captain Turner.

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