Sen. Hill To Honor Peninsula CHP Officer for Saving Choking 5-Year-Old

On behalf of the 13th Senate District, Senator Jerry Hill will recognize California Highway Patrol Officer Art Montiel as a Community Hero on Friday, September 5, for quick thinking and swift action that saved 5-year-old boy who was choking.

Senator Hill, D-San Mateo/Santa Clara Counties will honor Officer Montiel during the “Java with Jerry” community coffee in Los Altos on Friday morning.

The rescued child and his mother are expected to attend the presentation to Officer Montiel.

When: 9 a.m. Friday, September 5, 2014

Where: Gallery 9, 143 Main Street, Los Altos

Background:

CHP Officer Montiel, the public information officer for the CHP covering the Redwood City – Los Altos area, was off-duty and shopping in the produce section of a grocery store in town on August 22, when he came upon Teresa Alvarez and 5-year-old son, Miguel, in great distress.

[Previous: This Quick-Thinking Off-Duty CHP Officer Helped Save a Boy’s Life.]

Crying out that her son was choking, Mrs. Alvarez was trying to clear her son’s airway by slapping him on the back – to no avail. Officer Montiel quickly assessed the boy’s condition and immediately began administering abdominal trusts and back blows. Directing bystanders to contact 9-1-1, Officer Montiel continued working with the choking boy, until the child spat out a small grape and began breathing normally. The officer stayed with the boy, continuing to provide aid, until members of the fire department and paramedics arrived.

Redwood City Area CHP Captain Michael Maskarich, as well as Miguel Alvarez, his mother and this father, also named Miguel, plan to be on hand for Senator Hill’s presentation to Officer Montiel on Friday at the community coffee meeting.

Senator Hill regularly holds “Java with Jerry” community coffees throughout the 13th Senate District to provide legislative updates and chat with constituents about their ideas and concerns regarding state government and legislation. The senator provides the coffee at no expense to taxpayers.