KALKASKA, MICH. Trooper Adam Whited of the Michigan State Police (MSP) Houghton Lake Post was presented a Life Saving Award from the Sons Of The American Revolution at a ceremony at the MSP Houghton Lake Post today. The award was presented by Mr. Joseph Conger of the Sons Of The American Revolution in recognition of Trooper Whited saving a human life under emergency conditions.
On Wednesday, October 2, 2019 at approximately 4:00 p.m. Tpr. Adam Whited responded to the call when Kalkaska County Central Dispatch requested the Fire Department to 703 North Coral Street. He was nearby and arrived first. He was quickly joined by two Kalkaska Twp. firefighters who had arrived in their personal vehicles. The home was filled with smoke and a fire was raging in one of the bedrooms.
Tpr. Whited and the two firefighters entered the burning home and were able to locate a single victim by crawling through the home below the smoke. They located resident Denise Schroeter unconscious, lying on the Kitchen floor, and were able to pull her from the burning home as additional help arrived.
The 62-year-old female regained consciousness once outside and was transported to Kalkaska firefighters then transferred to Munson Medical in Traverse City for further treatment for smoke inhalation. Witnesses at the scene stated Schroeter would have likely perished if not for the quick action of the first responders.
Tpr. Whited and the two firemen who had entered the home were also transported to Kalkaska Munson Hospital. They were treated for the effects of smoke inhalation and released.
The owner of the home and the victim’s roommate 66-year-old Sandra Barber responded to the scene and informed investigators that five canine companions perished in the flames along with three pet birds and two hamsters. Ms. Barber was at work when the fire broke out.
The Kalkaska Township Fire Department responded to the scene along with by Clearwater Fire and Cold Springs Excelsior fire. They were able to extinguish the blaze and render first aid to Ms. Schroeter.
Also assisting at the scene were Kalkaska EMS and The Department of Natural Resources Law Enforcement Division Conservation Officers.
