Fairfield Cop Honored After He Saved Child From Choking

Via the Fairfield Police Department: FAIRFIELD, CT — During the most recent meeting of the Board of Police Commissioners on July 10, Officer Thomas Gorton was recognized for the following:

On Dec. 14, 2018, Gorton was dispatched to a home on Tide Mill Terrace for a report of a 4-year-old child choking. On arrival, Gorton quickly assessed the situation and determined the child was choking on a piece of candy and immediately delivered six to eight back blows, which dislodged a piece of candy allowing the child to breath freely.

Gorton’s professional and skillful response likely saved this child’s life. His actions were recognized not only by his supervisor, but by the child’s mother, who wrote a handwritten letter to the police department, stating, "I cannot begin to think about how differently it could have gone without you dislodging the candy cane."