Man receives Humanitarian Award for saving a life
Mark Brantl and Randy Westlund present the Post Falls Police Department Humanitarian Award to Trey Buster for intervening to perform CPR on an unconscious man until first responders arrived. The incident took place March 29, 2025.
CAROLYN BOSTICK/Press
POST FALLS — Trey Buster received a standing ovation Tuesday after accepting the Post Falls Police Department Humanitarian Award.
Mayor Randy Westlund and Capt. Mark Brantl honored Trey Buster with a Humanitarian Award during a Post Falls City Council meeting for performing life-saving CPR on a man experiencing a medical event last year.
“Mr. Buster, you are an example of why people are proud to live and work in Post Falls,” Brantl said. “When faced with life and death situations, you used the skills that you have to jump in and conduct CPR.”
On March 29, 2025, a man on Fourth Street near Falls Park began having a heart attack. When first responders arrived, Buster had already been conducting CPR on the unconscious man for about five minutes.
An officer took over chest compressions. Buster then assisted the second officer in maintaining the man’s airway.
Kootenai County Fire and Rescue arrived and continued life-saving measures until he was transported to Kootenai Health.
The man, whose first name was Richard, survived.
“The doctor said without CPR being initiated so quickly and effectively as it was, he would not have made it,” Brantl said.
The Post Falls Police Department established the Humanitarian Award in 2011 to honor police department employees and citizens who demonstrate exemplary concern for the welfare of others.
Brantl commended Buster for his service and dedication.
“Had it not been for your actions, Richard may not have survived. You did not know Richard before this incident, but you are certainly connected to him now,” Brantl said.