South Jersey Cop, EMTs Save Choking Baby's Life

HARRISON TOWNSHIP, NJ — A Harrison Township officer heard a woman cry for help. Her baby was choking, but first responders sprung into action to save the child's life.

On Tuesday evening, Cpl. Kevin McGowan was responding to an unrelated call for service when he saw a stopped vehicle with its rear driver-side door ajar. He observed a woman calling for help while frantically trying to remove a child from a seat.

The unconscious 20-month-old had been choking and turned blue in the face. McGowan, of the Harrison Township Police Department, quickly removed the child from the car and began performing back blows.

The woman's car was parked in front of the Gloucester County EMS station at the corner of N Main Street and Colson Lane. EMT Jenine Ellena observed the incident from the parking lot and ran over to assist. She and her partner EMT Richard Kennedy dislodged the obstruction, allowing the child to breathe again.

"Cpl. McGowan's quick actions and calm administration of first aid saved precious time that allowed for he and EMTs Ellena/Kennedy to work together and save the child's life," Harrison Township Police Chief Ronald Cundey said in a statement. "Their efforts, along with the other emergency services personnel that arrived to assist, reflect greatly on the training and dedication that they possess."