Choking Newborn Saved By Montgomery Cop

MONTGOMERY, IL — A Montgomery police officer is being hailed as a hero after coming to the rescue of a 4-day-old infant who was choking. Montgomery police said Officer Kelli Smith responded to a home in the 2400 block of Mayfield Drive May 7 after a mother called for help, saying her newborn was choking.

When Smith arrived on the scene, she was handed the infant, who was not breathing, police said.

"Without hesitation, Ofc. Smith properly supported the infant in her arms and provided multiple pats on the back which dislodged an item which was stuck in the infant’s throat," police said in a press release this week.

The newborn immediately began to cry and resumed normal breathing, according to police.

Oswego paramedics arrived on the scene shortly after Smith's lifesaving action and continued to care for the baby, who is now doing well, the mother told police.

Police said the grateful mom wanted to thank Smith for her swift actions. The Montgomery Police Department also honored her with a lifesaving award.

"We would like to recognize the lifesaving efforts of Ofc. Kelli Smith which support the mission of the Montgomery Police Department in that we are committed to providing exceptional public service by protecting the life, liberty and property of citizens in the Village," police said in a news release.

Photos via Montgomery Police Department. Main photo: Officer Kelli Smith receiving a lifesaving award from new Montgomery Chief Phil Smith.