Crime & Safety
Alert Officer Saves Choking Baby
Parents ran to police cruiser for help as baby was choking Sunday, according to Prince William County Police.
Prince William County Police is offering kudos for one of its own after an officer saved a child choking. And they're not alone, as dozens of residents have thanked the officer on Facebook.
According to a post at the PWCPD Facebook page, Officer Vanessa Russell was sitting in her police cruiser writing a report near 3 p.m. on Sunday when she heard a mother yelling for help.
The child's parents ran to the cruiser with their 14-month-old baby girl, telling the officer that the baby was choking.
Russell used her training to perform back blows on the child and ultimately dislodging a piece of food, according to PWCPD.
The child began breathing on her own and was transported to an area hospital by medics as a precaution.
"Thank you officer Russell, for being there in a time of need and calmly saving a young life!" wrote one Facebook user in response to the news.
Another wrote, "Such a hero! Thank you Officer Russell for your service to our community!"
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