‘True Heroes’: South River Police Officers Save Choking 1-Year-Old Child

SOUTH RIVER, NJ – Four South River Police officers saved the life of a one-year-old child who was choking at a local residence Monday evening, authorities said.

Officers responded to an emergency call about a choking child and arrived to find the one-year-old unconscious and in severe respiratory distress with a blocked airway. Despite the chaotic and emotionally charged scene, the officers immediately began coordinated life-saving measures to clear the child's airway, authorities said.

Their swift action proved successful. The child's airway was cleared, and the infant was transported to a nearby hospital for further medical evaluation and treatment. The child is expected to make a full recovery.

"There was no hesitation. Each officer knew their role, acted immediately, and worked together to save a child's life," said Chief Mark Tinitigan, who praised the responding officers' actions as vital to the successful outcome.

The responding officers were Det. Patrick Molina, Det. Mark Kukoda, Patrolman Nicholas Swineford, and Patrolman Jonathan Torres. Tinitigan credited the department's ongoing first aid training and the officers' teamwork for the life-saving intervention.

"These officers are true heroes. Their quick thinking and training made all the difference in a moment where every second counted," Tinitigan said. "We are incredibly thankful the child is safe and on the road to recovery."

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