Steel Patriots Motorcycle Club gives AED defibrillator
IMLAY CITY — The Steel Patriots Motorcycle Club is hoping to make a difference in a person’s life with the donation of a life-saving tool for the Imlay City Police Department.
Police Chief Brett Selby was presented with a brand new Heartstart Defibrillator by the Phillips company from The Steel Patriots Motorcycle Club of Michigan for departmental use.
Having the right equipment when it is needed has never been more important than right now.
In a press release announcing the donation, Chief Selby says heart related issues post COVID pandemic have been on the rise.
Pictured from left to right making the presentation is Rich Wilkinson of the Steel Patriots; Imlay City Police Chief Selby; Barb Soffin, Steel Patriots and Dan Wilkinson, also of the Steel Patriots.
According to a recent article published by Cedars Sinai Hospital, “people ages 25 to 44 saw a nearly 30% increase in heart attack deaths over the first two years of the pandemic–a surprising finding without a clear explanation”.
In the press release, Chief Selby said the article went on to say “There are a lot of things that COVID can do to the cardiovascular system. It appears to be able to increase the stickiness of the blood and increase … the likelihood of blood clot formation. It seems to stir up inflammation in the blood vessels. It seems to also cause, in some people, an overwhelming stress–whether it is related directly to the infection or situations around the infection that can also cause a spike in blood pressure.”
I cannot express my gratitude enough for the generosity the Steel Patriots have provided to the police department and to our residents today.
Chief Selby pointed out, “Police Departments are usually the “tip of the spear” when it comes to emergencies, which means we are usually the first to arrive and provide aid, and now we have a brand new defibrillator to add to our defibrillator line.”
The Steel Patriots Motorcycle Club is a 501c3 non-profit organization comprised of current, former and retired first responders.
Based in Rochester Hills, the club currently has 17 members and has ties to many communities throughout Michigan including Lapeer County.
Their mission includes raising funds to support fire and law enforcement agencies through the donation of much needed equipment, including lifesaving AED’s (automated electronic defibrillators).
The AED donated to the Imlay City Police Department has a value of $2,000, according to members of the club.
