In a heart-stopping moment earlier this month, New Jersey Transit Police officers saved the life of a 3-year-old boy who was choking to the point of turning blue. The dramatic body camera footage captured the quick-thinking officers at the Trenton station responding to cries for help coming from a private bus at around 9:45 p.m. on April 16. The video shows a person yelling “baby baby baby” as the boy’s limp body is handed over to the officers. The child’s airway was obstructed, so the officers immediately sprung into action and began giving CPR to the boy.
Despite their efforts, the object remained lodged in the boy’s throat, causing him to start turning blue from lack of oxygen. At one point, an officer is heard saying “he’s turning blue” in the heart-stopping clip. The child’s parents, who did not speak English, can be heard panicking and crying in the background. Realizing that the not-breathing child needed further medical attention, K-9 Officer Timothy Geoghegan quickly packed the child into a police cruiser and headed straight for the hospital, with Sergeant Michael Filandro continuing to administer CPR in the back of the car.
During the tense drive to the hospital, the child suddenly began breathing again, much to the relief of the officers. Filandro can be heard saying “He’s moving air, he’s making noise” as the boy starts whimpering. The officer continues to reassure the child, telling him “stay with me, stay with me, okay buddy?” until they reach the hospital. The officers’ quick actions and teamwork ultimately saved the child’s life, with the boy beginning to breathe again before they arrived at the hospital.
The New Jersey Transit Police Department commended the officers involved in the life-saving rescue, including Lieutenant Mark Frenzel, Officers Roberto Tavares and Michael Virag, in addition to K-9 Officer Timothy Geoghegan and Sergeant Michael Filandro. In a statement, the department praised their excellent work and celebrated the successful outcome of the harrowing situation. The incident serves as a powerful example of the dedication and quick-thinking skills possessed by law enforcement officers who are trained to respond to emergencies and save lives.
The incident highlights the critical role that first responders play in emergency situations, where quick action can mean the difference between life and death. The officers’ ability to remain calm under pressure and work together as a team was instrumental in saving the child’s life, showcasing the importance of effective training and preparedness in law enforcement. The bravery and quick thinking displayed by the New Jersey Transit Police officers in this situation demonstrate their commitment to serving and protecting the community, even in the most challenging and life-threatening situations.
The heartwarming outcome of this incident serves as a reminder of the selfless dedication displayed by law enforcement officers who put their lives on the line every day to keep the public safe. The officers’ heroic actions in saving the life of a young child demonstrate the profound impact that their work has on the community, showcasing the positive difference that law enforcement officers can make in people’s lives. The New Jersey Transit Police Department’s swift response and coordinated efforts in this emergency situation ultimately led to the successful outcome of saving a young child’s life, highlighting the importance of their role in ensuring public safety and well-being.
