Emmet County, Michigan. The Michigan State Police (MSP) St. Ignace Post is proud to
recognize Sergeant Dennis Wagner for helping save a life while off duty at Nub’s Nob Ski
Resort.
While cross-country skiing on January 3, 2026, Sergeant Wagner noticed a skier had collapsed
on the trail. He quickly went to help and assisted Nub’s Nob cross-country ski patroller Steve
Biggs, who had already begun administering care. Several other skiers also had stopped and
helped as needed.
Sergeant Wagner assisted by rolling the subject over, positioning his head uphill, opening the
airway, and initiating chest compressions. Life-saving efforts continued, and Nub’s Nob Ski
Patrol arrived a short time later with an Automated External Defibrillator (AED), oxygen, a
snowmobile, and a toboggan.
The AED was deployed and advised two shocks, which were administered while CPR
continued. Oxygen was delivered using a bag-valve mask. Sergeant Wagner assisted ski patrol
in safely transferring the subject into the toboggan for transport down the trail. Upon safe arrival
at the ski patrol room, Emmet County EMS took over care. The subject had regained a pulse
and was breathing. He was transported to McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital, where he
received further emergency treatment. Medical staff later confirmed that early CPR and the use
of the AED were critical in saving his life.
MSP has received confirmation that the skier, Mr. Kevin Livingston, is now awake, doing well,
and is expected to make a full recovery.
Sergeant Wagner has been a MSP first aid instructor for many years and helps fellow
department members keep their lifesaving skills sharp through regular training. The MSP thanks
Sergeant Wagner, the bystanders who stopped to help, Nub’s Nob Ski Patrol, Emmet County
EMS, and McLaren Northern Michigan Hospital staff for their teamwork, quick response, and
excellent care. Sergeant Wagner’s actions demonstrate the professionalism and dedication of
MSP members who are always ready to help others, on or off duty.
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