B.J. Wolff learned CPR as an Eagle Scout growing up in Traverse City. When he had to apply his training for the first time nearly 45 years later to help save the life of a work colleague, he did so without hesitation.   

“I never thought I would ever use it in my life,” said Wolff, managing partner of Plante Moran’s Traverse City office. “I didn’t even think about it, I just reacted.”

Wolff, who was credited with helping to save the life of his colleague Clint Motteler, received an American Red Cross Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action at an award presentation Friday at Plante Moran’s Traverse City office. The award, which includes a certificate and lapel pin, honors individuals who step up in an emergency and help save or sustain a life using lifesaving skills (that may or not be taught by the Red Cross Training Services).

“Thank you, B.J., for your willingness to help others in distress,” said Michelle Gallagher, executive director of the Red Cross Northern Michigan Chapter. “Your lifesaving action exemplifies the mission of the Red Cross to prevent and alleviate human suffering in the face of emergencies.” 

Wolff was among a small group of colleagues at the end of the workday on Dec. 14, 2023, when he heard a call for help at the office. Motteler, a colleague from Grand Rapids and U.S. Army veteran, had collapsed in an adjacent office from an apparent cardiac arrest. 

Senior manager Natalie Flowers called 911 and Wolff immediately began performing chest compressions and rescue breaths. He continued the resuscitation without interruption for about 7-8 minutes until EMS arrived.

“The entire Plante Moran community is proud of B.J. and his lifesaving actions, as well as the additional Plante Moraners who assisted on that day,” said Diana Verdun, Plante Moran’s human resources director. “Their quick response and dedication to Clint is a testament to their character.”  

Motteler is doing well today and is back at work at Plante Moran in Grand Rapids.    

“I’m glad I was there to help,” Wolff said, adding that he is grateful to organizations like the Red Cross that teach CPR and first-aid training. “I’m happy for Clint and that he’s 100 percent recovered. I couldn’t ask for anything better.”

Wolff was nominated for the Red Cross lifesaving award by Motteler’s wife, Kathleen.

“Plante Moran was there for us throughout every step of this terrifying journey,” she said. “I wanted to thank the people that helped that day. But what’s adequate for what they did? How can I thank them for giving me back my husband? Then, my oldest daughter had the idea to nominate B.J. for an American Red Cross award, and I agreed that it’d be the perfect way to honor him, and the entire Traverse City team, for all they’ve done for our family.”  

The Red Cross National Lifesaving Awards is a program dating back to 1911 that provides recognition to individuals or teams, with or without Red Cross training, who either save or sustain a life. The program consists of three awards, the Certificate of Merit, the Lifesaving Award for Professional Responders, and the Certificate of Extraordinary Personal Action. 

These awards and their recipients embody the spirit and mission of the Red Cross, by using action to alleviate human suffering in the face of an emergency.

Since 2018, the Red Cross has honored more than 3,119 individuals worldwide. Their heroism has helped save more than 1,577 lives.

By David Olejarz, regional communications director