Off-duty conservation officer helps save a life

HIGHLAND – An off-duty Indiana Conservation Officer was in the right place at the right time yesterday and helped save a Highland man’s life.  

Shortly after 4:30 p.m., Indiana Conservation Officer Alex Neel was near the intersection of Ridge Road and Indianapolis Boulevard when he saw several people starting to perform CPR on a male who had been removed from a vehicle.

Conservation Officer Alex Neel

Neel stopped to help and recognized that the person attempting CPR was struggling. After confirming the Highland man, who was 66, was not breathing and did not have a pulse, Neel took over and performed chest compressions for several minutes with the help of an unidentified nurse who also stopped to assist.  

Within minutes, officers with Highland Police Department arrived and helped Neel until medics with Superior Ambulance arrived. An AED was used, and a pulse was located. The individual was transported to Community Hospital where he is reported to be doing well. 

Neel is a four-year veteran of DNR Law Enforcement and is assigned to Lake County. He was assisted by Highland Police Sgt. Randy Stewart, Officer Tyler Dills, and Officer Tiffany Perez.