A fresh recruit with the NYPD is being celebrated for his heroic actions after he successfully saved the life of a 2-year-old boy who was choking. This commendable act comes mere weeks after he intervened to aid another infant in a similar predicament.
Officers Freddy Cerpa and Megan Ficken swiftly responded to a 911 emergency call on January 16 regarding a 2-year-old who had lost consciousness due to choking in the Bronx.
Footage from body cameras documented the critical moments as the officers diligently worked to unblock the child’s airway.
Thankfully, the young boy quickly began to show signs of recovery. Initially choking on mucus, he was transported to Jacobi Hospital as a safety measure and is reportedly doing well, according to police reports.
Officer Cerpa expressed his gratitude towards his partner, Ficken, for her role in the recent rescue.
“Just weeks after coming to the aid of a choking infant, Officer Freddy Cerpa once again intervened to save a 2-year-old in peril—an impactful testament to the readiness of New York’s Finest when every second counts,” the New York City Police Foundation shared in a social media update.
Bodycam video showed officers working to clear the child’s airway. (Handout)
Cerpa told WABC-TV that his experience helping to save a 1-year-old girl in December helped with the latest rescue call.
The 2-year-old boy is going well, according to police. (Handout)
“The first one was definitely surreal,” Cerpa told the outlet of the first rescue. “But in my opinion, this one is all Officer Ficken, and she was there first. I was just glad I was able to assist her.”
