HOUGHTON COUNTY, Mich. (WZMQ) – What began as a medical emergency turned into a heartwarming reunion when Michigan State Police (MSP) Calumet Post trooper met with Rosie Danley, the woman whose life he helped save.
While camping in a Hancock area campground in August, Danley experienced sudden cardiac arrest and became unresponsive. Trooper Lucas Lahnala was on duty that night and quickly responded. Once he arrived on scene, he found Danley unresponsive. Her son had started to administer care. Lahnala immediately began CPR and connected her to an AED. After several minutes of life-saving efforts, EMS arrived, assumed care, and transported her for further treatment.
While her pulse had been regained, the outlook for Danley’s survival at first was not favorable. However, since then, she has recovered and is even back to work as a nurse, helping to care for others. Trooper Lahnala said he was thankful to have been able to help that evening.
“I’m really happy I was able to be involved and help,” he said. “As troopers, we respond to emergencies every day, but moments like this remind us why we do what we do. Seeing Rosie healthy and smiling means everything.”
Danley shared her appreciation for everyone who played a part in her survival.
“On behalf of myself, husband, four kids and thirteen grandkids, I would like to thank Tpr. Lahnala for being one of my hero’s to save my life,” she said. “He was a Godsend in my life on Aug 5, 2025. God had a plan, and he is part of my miracle story. May God bless and watch over him every day.”
MSP Calumet Post Commander, F/Lt. Jason Wickstrom, commended Lahnala for his efforts, saying, “I’m very proud of Tpr. Lahnala and the actions he took to help save Mrs. Danley’s life. It’s an example of the great work that not only the troopers at the Calumet Post do, but all law enforcement do on a daily basis. It’s very rewarding when we can share a story that has such a positive outcome and meet the people we have helped.”
The MSP wishes Danley and her family all the best. MSP also extends its gratitude to Danley’s son, the EMS personnel, the medical staff, and the MSP Negaunee Regional Communications Center (NRCC) dispatchers for their assistance.
