WICHITA, Kan. (KSNW) - It's not every day you get to save a life on or off the job. "Of all times, believe it or not, of being 23 years with the Kansas Highway Patrol, I've never given CPR before," said Trooper Chad Crittenden with the KHP. "So, my first time happened to be off duty, and I couldn't be happier to work with and save one of my best friends out here." Trooper Chad was home in November of last year when his neighbor came running to his door. Melanie Penner's husband, Ron, had collapsed in the backyard. Melanie heard a person doing landscaping work in the yard yelling for her to get outside. "And here is where I found Ron collapsed," said Melanie. "We called 911." There was no pulse. Ron had suffered a major cardiac event. "And the dispatcher right away asked if there was a pulse, and there was not. And she said, do you have a defibrillator," said Melanie. "And I said, 'No, we don't, but our neighbor might.'" Trooper Chad and his wife both ran to the Penner home. "And Chad came and started his compressions, and he said, 'I'll take over here,'" said Melanie. Ambulance crews used a defibrillator several times on Ron and finally got a pulse. Ron is now home, and Trooper Chad is being recognized for that event and a second where he helped someone in need. He has been given the Kansas Highway Patrol lifesaving award for immediate response in providing lifesaving medical aid. "Yeah, I mean, I'm a pretty humble person, but Kansas Highway Patrol has this (award)," said Trooper Chad. Trooper Chad says he hopes anybody in the right place at the right time could do the same. "That's why in law enforcement and all first responders, you train and train and train just in case an incident like this would happen so you can respond without having to think, and it can make a big difference," said Trooper Chad. Ron was in intensive care and then rehab. He is home now, continuing rehabilitation. "Can I say I've given thanks to God for him many times," said Ron. "Because we pray about that every day. 'Watch out for our families and our friends. Keep us all safe from accident and harm.'" The Penner family has a strong faith, and they believe things happen for a reason. Melanie also says she is thankful for neighbors like Trooper Chad, who are trained to help. "And the troopers are not just people out there on the highway to stop people from speeding or working accidents. They are here in everyday life," said Melanie. "Protecting us all whenever the need arises."