In 2020, Marquette County Law Enforcement responded to 46 cardiac emergency calls requesting the use of life saving Automated External Defibrillators (AEDs). Law Enforcement Officers are frequently the first to arrive on scene for medical calls because they are already mobile at the time of the call and have the necessary equipment, including AEDs, with them while on patrol.

Jumpstart a Heart is a joint effort by Marquette County Law Enforcement Administrators Association (MCLEAA) and the Community Foundation of Marquette County. The goal is to raise $81,454.50 to purchase new AED equipment for Forsyth Township Police, Negaunee City Police, Michigan State Police, Chocolay Township Police, Marquette City Police, Marquette County Sheriff’s Department, and the Upper Peninsula Substance Enforcement Team. Some of the current equipment is over 15 years old, which means it has passed life expectancy, is no longer reliable, and not compatible with equipment used by EMS teams. Having updated equipment and training will allow for a smooth connection and switch over from the AED unit to advanced lifesaving equipment on scene. Every officer utilizing the AED will have training to operate the equipment along with corresponding CPR and First Aid skills.

Give Now:
Give online, visit Jumpstart a Heart Donation Page

Send a check to:
Community Foundation of Marquette County
PO Box 37
Marquette, MI 49855

Marquette County Sheiff’s Deputy Jennifer Best says, “The hope is that the AEDs are never needed. However, a life changing cardiac event can happen unexpectedly to anyone from an infant to elder, at any time, and any location. These updated AED units can serve patients of any age and are portable enough to be transported to even the most remote area through difficult terrain. Residents, visitors, and those passing through the area can all be tended to by a trained responding officer with this life saving equipment.”

A fundraising campaign is now underway, and MCLEAA is asking for donations from the community to help purchase the equipment to have on patrol by the end of September. MCLEAA partnered with the Community Foundation of Marquette County as the fiscal agent for this project, which means all donations to the project are tax deductible.  The West End Health Foundation, Negaunee Area Community Fund and Marquette Area Community Fund have committed funds to the project.

“The Community Foundation is pleased to partner with MCLEAA on this project,” says Community Foundation CEO Zosia Eppensteiner.  “The need for this equipment was brought to our attention by Sheriff Zyburt. Part of the Community Foundation’s mission is to ‘lead and collaborate to address community opportunities’. Partnering with MCLEAA to raise funds for a project that will address this critical need and create long-term impact for the entire County is definitely something we are excited to be a part of.”