Federal Way officer Michael Wells honored after CPR saved man’s life

Officer Michael Wells received a life-saving award from the Federal Way Police Department at the City Council meeting April 15 for his role in resuscitating Steven (Steven spelled in transcript as "Steven" and alternately "Neece"/"Nies") Neece on April 15, 2024.

Police Chief Andy Wong presented the medal and certificate and said officers often arrive quickly at cardiac-arrest and CPR calls and that many officers carry AEDs. Chief Wong described the April 15, 2024 response at about 10 a.m., saying Officer Wells performed CPR and officers Paul and Monjoy provided assistance until South King Fire personnel relieved them. Because of those efforts, Chief Wong said, "mister Nies survived and made a remarkable recovery. He was discharged from the hospital on his own just few days after the incident."

Steven Neece, who said he was 66 at the time of the incident, told the council he suffered cardiac arrests caused by a blood clot after a recent knee replacement. He credited his wife Bonnie with starting CPR and said Officer Wells — who was off duty — assisted until emergency responders arrived. Neece described being told by an ICU doctor that his chance of survival and recovery were low but said he was brought out of an induced coma without brain damage and had regained full fitness within a year.

Chief Wong noted the partnership between Federal Way Police and South King Fire in responding to medical emergencies and emphasized that not all police departments respond to CPR calls. The council and attendees thanked Officer Wells and his family, and the chief posed for photographs and social-media posts as part of the recognition.

Ending: The council presented Officer Wells with a medal and certificate; Steven Neece publicly thanked the officers, his wife and first responders for saving his life and described his recovery to the council.