The frantic 911 call crackled with desperation – a two-year-old boy, unconscious, choking in the Bronx. Officers Freddy Cerpa and Megan Ficken raced against the clock, arriving to a scene thick with fear and the chilling silence of a child struggling for breath.
Body camera footage captured the raw intensity of the moment. Every second stretched into an eternity as the officers worked with focused urgency, attempting to dislodge the obstruction and restore the boy’s airway. The room held its breath with them.
Then, a flicker of life. A gasp. The boy’s small chest began to rise and fall, a fragile rhythm against the backdrop of relieved sighs. He had been choking on mucus, but the immediate danger had passed.
The child was swiftly transported to Jacobi Hospital as a precaution, and thankfully, is now recovering well. The incident serves as a potent reminder of the unwavering dedication of those who serve and protect.
This wasn’t Officer Cerpa’s first brush with a life-or-death situation. Just weeks prior, in December, he’d successfully aided in saving a one-year-old girl who was also choking. Experience, he admits, played a crucial role.
Yet, Cerpa is quick to deflect praise, emphasizing the collaborative effort. He credits Officer Ficken’s swift initial response as the key to the successful rescue, humbly stating he was simply there to assist. It was a testament to teamwork in the face of unimaginable pressure.
For Officer Cerpa, these aren’t just incidents; they are powerful moments illustrating the core principle of service. They are proof that, in New York City, its finest are perpetually prepared to act when every second truly counts.
