According to a K-State Today article, two K-State researchers in the College of Veterinary Medicine and a K-State Research and Extension horticulture agent have received recognition for their roles in helping to save the lives of three people in Wichita.
A teenager and Wichita police officers Terry Nelson and Drew Rhoades became ill after all three were exposed pond water in Wichita
The two officers swam into a pond to and performed CPR after the teenager swam into the pond to escape police pursuit and began to drown.
The Wichita Police Department was connected to K-State researchers Steve Ensley and Scott Fritz after contacting K-State Research and Extension agent Matthew McKernan in an attempt to test the quality of the pond water.
After running tests, Ensley and Fritz found that the pond water contained high levels of blue-green algae.
This discovery assisted in the medical treatment of Rhoades, Nelson and the teenager, who have since fully recovered.
Ensley and Fritz received the Outstanding Citizen Assistance Plaque while McKernan received the Certificate of Appreciation.
