COEUR d’ALENE — When the call came in that a man had collapsed inside his Sagle home and wasn’t breathing, Idaho State Police Det. Travis Bucher was in the right place at the right time. 

Emergency medical personnel were nearly 15 minutes away, and each second counts in a crisis. 

Within two minutes of hearing the call, Bucher arrived at the home of Bob Irwin, who had suffered a massive heart attack. Bucher directed Irwin’s family to get the man onto the floor and began to administer aid. 

Irwin’s wife, Laura, became emotional Thursday as she recalled how Bucher’s actions saved her husband’s life. 

“You flew into the house,” she said to Bucher. “You were so calm. I just want to say thank you.” 

For the quick thinking, decisiveness and dedication to public service he showed on May 26, 2025, Bucher received a promotion and the Idaho State Police Life Saving Award at a ceremony this week at the ISP District 1 office. 

To receive the award, an individual must exhibit personal heroism by providing life-saving emergency measures. Bucher did just that. 

“We knew after this incident was over that something special happened,” said Lt. Allen Ashby. 

Soon after the incident, emails flowed in from EMS personnel, the Bonner County Sheriff’s Office and Irwin’s family, all commending Bucher for his actions that day. 

Ashby said Bucher used his automated external defibrillator on Irwin and then began CPR. He continued compressions for 12 minutes until medical personnel arrived. 

Irwin was transported to Kootenai Health via Life Flight. He’s made a full recovery since last May. 

“I’m really good,” he said Thursday. 

Physicians at Kootenai Health confirmed that Bucher’s quick intervention helped save Irwin’s life and prevent catastrophic brain injury. 

“He didn’t give up,” Ashby said. “That’s one of our mottos as troopers — to never give up.” 

Bucher, for his part, had little to say about his own heroics. 

“I’m going to keep it short and sweet,” he said, looking out at the room full of his loved ones and fellow police. “Thanks for being here. I appreciate you.” 

Bob Irwin said he was glad to be there for the ceremony honoring Bucher. 

“I’m just grateful I got to meet the guy who saved my life,” he said. “A whole series of events had to line up for me to be standing here today.” 

Irwin said the experience further cemented his support for local law enforcement. 

“They do a lot more than give you a ticket,” he said with a laugh. 

    Det. Travis Bucher shakes hands with Sagle resident Bob Irwin, whose life he helped save last year when Irwin suffered a massive heart attack.