By James Windell
South Haven Police Officer Cooper Carns was honored at the South Haven City Council meeting on Tuesday, September 2, 2025.
Interim Police Chief Adam DeBoer said that Carns was being honored with a Lifesaving Award because of his quick actions that saved a nan’s life recently.
In presenting the award, DeBoer said that Officer Carns responded to a call on July 31, 2025, regarding a one-vehicle crash on M-140 near the Village Express Carwash. “When Officer Carns arrived at the scene he found a 74-year-old man unresponsive in the front seat of a Ford pickup,” DeBoer said. “He quickly assessed the man and found he did not have a pulse.”
With the help of a bystander, Carns removed the man from the truck, placed him on the ground, and began performing CPR. “Officer Carns continued to perform CPR until SHAES arrived and an AED shock was delivered, and the victim regained a heartbeat,” DeBoer said.
DeBoer went on to say that South Haven Area Emergency Services Executive Director Brandon Hinz praised Carns by saying that “Officer Carns’ calm and decisive action in a high-pressure situation exemplify his professionalism, his preparedness, and his commitment to public service.
Officer Carns’ swift evaluation and immediate response undoubtedly played a critical role in the positive outcome of this patient.”
DeBoer said he was honored to present the Lifesaving Award to Officer Carns, who has been with the South Haven Police Department since 2022. Officer Carns received applause from the City Council members as well as the audience.
