On Tuesday, June 9, Mecosta Township Fire and Rescue and Mecosta County EMS personnel were honored for their heroic actions to save a newborn child’s life last year.

The medical emergency took place on Aug. 29, 2025, following a home birth in which the newborn was not breathing. Upon arrival, responders found that the mother had established an airway and was providing ventilations.

After establishing CPR and maintaining cycles for about five minutes, the newborn regained a pulse with a normal rate. The mother was also treated on site for post-delivery complications. Both the child and the mother were eventually transported to the hospital and have made a full recovery.

During the presentation, four members were awarded the prestigious Life-Saving Award by township board members: Chief Anthony Peacock, EMT-B Morgan Bennett, Firefighter/EMT-B John Hodson and Firefighter Blake Gulick.

Those four, plus six others, were honored with a letter of commendation: Paramedic April Bisson, Paramedic Steven Headland, EMT-B Mara Bailey, EMT-B Grayslin Walch, EMT-B Cameren Cass and off-duty Paramedic Kyle Podeszwik of Osceola County EMS. Dispatch Supervisor Tracey Clark was also awarded a Meritorious Service Award.

“The Mecosta Township Fire Department commends the efforts of all personnel involved for their heroic actions and exceptional performance,” Peacock said. “Their exemplary service reflects the highest standards of the fire and EMS professions and reinforces the vital role first responders serve within our community.”

The mother and child were in attendance during the meeting.

_{Release and photo courtesy of Mecosta County Township Fire & Rescue. Photo credit to Austin Chastain.}