State Ferries Crew Member from Chimacum Honored for Life-Saving Action

John McMillen, who grew up in Chimacum, Washington, was honored on the M/V KENNEWICK as the ferry traveled between Port Townsend and Coupeville.

McMillen was given the Life Ring award for his role in saving a man’s life earlier this month. On July 17^th, McMillen used an automated external defibrillator on a 60-year old man who suffered a heart attack aboard a Bainbridge-bound ferry.

The crew acted quickly to help the man, and the captain rerouted the ferry back towards Seattle. This effort allowed the man to receive medical attention an hour sooner than he would have if the ferry continued to Bainbridge.

“Our training department really takes it seriously,” said McMillen in regards to his fast action. He praises the importance that Washington State Ferries have placed on training crews to handle medical situations and work efficiently as a team.

This is the third life-saving event on a state ferry this year, officials say.