PRATT – On January 10, 2019, a 911 call was received from a Milford resident reporting an adult male choking and turning blue. Tim Himelick, first responder from the City of Milford, arrived in minutes and started CPR. Clayton Swanson, Milford State Park ranger arrived and immediately assisted with CPR to give Himelick a break. Geary County Sheriff’s Department officer Cayla Da Giau also arrived and began assisting with CPR. The man was transferred to an area hospital where staff credited the three first responders with saving his life. He’s now back at college.
Swanson, Himelick and Da Giau were recognized for their actions by Milford Mayor Brad Roether and the Geary County Commission during a presentation ceremony on Jan. 28, 2019. Roether praised the three for their swift response and life-saving actions.
Kansas state park rangers are fully commissioned Kansas law enforcement officers and often respond to and assist other law enforcement agencies with calls that are outside of typical Kansas Department of Wildlife, Parks and Tourism-related duties. This assistance can be especially crucial in the rural areas where many state park rangers are located.
