What started as a minor car accident turned into a medical emergency, but thanks to the swift actions of Illinois State Police (ISP) Trooper Tyler Dively, the individual involved lived to see another day.
Dively, a 2015 Macomb High School graduate, was recently awarded a Lifesaving Medal by the ISP for his actions on July 10, 2024 in Peoria County. Following the accident, the man, whom Dively had spoken to, fell unconscious.
Because of the symptoms displayed, Dively suspected the sudden turn was due to drug use and administered three doses of Narcan. Prior to the arrival of the ambulance, the man regained consciousness. Dively, along with other troopers, discovered numerous syringes inside the vehicle that tested positive for heroin. The individual was later arrested for driving under the influence and possession of a controlled substance.
According to Dively, while he has been present at other life-saving-related calls, this is the first time in his five-year career as a trooper that he has saved someone's life.
Dively began his college career at Iowa State and later transferred to Western Illinois University where he completed his bachelor's degree in law enforcement in May 2019. While he first became professionally involved with the ISP through an internship during his college years, the state police have long been a part of the young trooper's life as his father, Jon, who recently retired, was a career trooper.
'When I was in college, I really wasn't sure what type of law enforcement I wanted to focus on. I was given the chance to explore the state police through the internship program through WIU, and after the intership, I knew the ISP was for me,' he explained. 'I have grown up around law enforcement my whole life and saw the impact that one can make. One of my idols growing up was my father who is now a retired captain. '
Dively graduated from the Illinois State Police Academy, which is a rigorous 27-week program, in May 2020. ISP District 14, which covers McDonough, Hancock, Henderson, Warren, and Fulton County, and District 8 merged to form Troop 4, which is Dively's current assignment. As a Troop 4 officer, he covers a wide region: McDonough, Hancock, Henderson, Warren, Fulton County, Knox, Stark, Peoria, Tazewell, Woodford and Marshall counties.
Dively said he'd like to stay in patrol because he loves what he does.
'A lot of people leave patrol to go down other career paths, but I feel this is the best fit for me,' he added. 'I really enjoy helping others or trying to lift their spirits. We see a lot of people in their worst moments, and I want to leave a lasting, positive impact on their lives when I can.'
