Full Breakdown
NYPD Officer Freddy Cerpa Saves Two Babies from Choking in Weeks
1/31/2026, 10:02:23 AM
Life-Saving Actions in the Bronx
NYPD Officer Freddy Cerpa has gained recognition for his quick response in saving two babies from choking within a span of weeks. The first incident occurred in December when Officer Cerpa, off duty in Elmont, revived a neighbor's 1-year-old daughter who had stopped breathing. He utilized back slaps, a recommended technique for infants in distress, to successfully resuscitate the child.
The second incident took place on January 16 in Soundview, Bronx, where Officer Cerpa, alongside Officer Megan Ficken, responded to a 911 call regarding a 2-year-old boy who was unconscious due to choking on mucus. Body camera footage captured the tense moments as Officer Cerpa administered back slaps, drawing on his previous experience to assist Officer Ficken, who had already begun the life-saving procedure.
Training and Preparedness
Both officers attribute their successful interventions to the training received at the police academy. Officer Ficken, a mother of two young children, expressed the heightened urgency she felt during the incident, stating, "You want everything to work out perfect... it amps the intensity, the urgency and the understanding of how impactful this situation is for parents."
Despite the significant impact of their actions, Officer Cerpa remains modest about his role, emphasizing the teamwork involved. He stated, "The first one was definitely surreal. 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."
Official Statements & Responses
The NYPD has praised the efforts of Officers Cerpa and Ficken, highlighting the importance of their training and quick thinking in emergency situations. The boy who was saved in the Bronx was transported to Jacobi Hospital for evaluation and is reported to be doing well.
Verbatim Quotes
- “The first one was definitely surreal. 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,” — Officer Freddy Cerpa, NYPD
- “You want everything to work out perfect. It's just like this. It amps the intensity, the urgency and the understanding of how impactful this situation is for parents,” — Officer Megan Ficken, NYPD
Conclusion
Officer Freddy Cerpa's recent actions underscore the critical role of police training in emergency medical situations. His ability to remain calm and apply learned techniques has led to the successful rescue of two young children, showcasing the profound impact that first responders can have in life-threatening scenarios.
