Westwood Police Officers, State Trooper Save Choking Victim

WESTWOOD, NJ — An off-duty State Police officer and two local police officers saved the life of a man who was choking at a borough restaurant New Year's Day.

New Jersey State Police Major Michael Rinaldi was at the Westwood Diner and Pancake House a little before 2 p.m. with his family and off duty when he noticed a commotion in the dining room.

Rinaldi noticed that a man was choking. The man was conscious, but his airway was obstructed, State Police said. Rinaldi administered the Heimlich maneuver on the man.

Local authorities got a 911 call about the incident. The caller said the man was turning blue and could not breathe, said Westwood Police Chief Michael Pontillo.

Together with Rinaldi, Westwood officers Greg Dorfman and Stephanie Laurent cleared the blockage. The man was taken to Hackensack University Medical Center North in Westwood.

Pontillo commended Dorfman and Laurent for their help in saving the man's life.

"It's nice to see positive police work and newer officers performing at their best, when situations are at their worst," Pontillo said, also noting the work Rinaldi did. "We are grateful for their effort and performance, their actions reflect the highest standards of the law enforcement profession."

State Police also recognized Rinaldi's quick thinking, saying his "decisive actions undoubtedly prevented a New Year's Day tragedy."

Email: daniel.hubbard@patch.com

Photo: State Police Major Michael Rinaldi (New Jersey State Police)