By Police1 Staff

PIQUA, Ohio — Ohio State Troopers are recognizing one of their own after his response to an emergency vehicle crash ended with him saving the driver’s life, Piqua Daily Call reported.

Trooper Eric Devers of the Piqua Post/District 5 Headquarters was recognized for his actions in aiding a driver after a car crash. Devers ended up saving the man’s life in the April 28 accident.

The incident occurred when a semi drove through a guardrail down a steep embankment on the right shoulder. Devers was the first to arrive to the scene and immediately ran out of this cruiser toward the wreckage.

The driver, John Robert Depue, 53, was unresponsive and stopped breathing shortly after the crash occurred. Off-camera audio revealed Devers started assisting the man by giving him CPR.

“Don’t die on me,” Devers yells in the audio several times.

During the 12 minutes it took for emergency vehicles to come onto the scene, Devers was able to save the man, who made a full recovery.

Devers was honored in a ceremony and received a Certificate of Recognition. Colleagues, friends and family were in attendance and praised the officer for his commitment and passion towards his career.

“I can’t tell you how proud I am of you,” Piqua District Commander Captain Dan Lay said at the ceremony. “The passion that you displayed in saving this man’s life, the passion that you work with every day, contributes to this.”