Northport Responders Who Saved Newborn Baby Awarded Proclamation

Two Northport Police officers and a public safety dispatcher were recognized for reviving a newborn who was not breathing after being born on a bathroom floor in January.

Officers Steven Golub and Devin Humphreys and public safety dispatcher Dana Gunther were presented proclamations of achievement by Legis. William Spencer at the Legislature’s General Meeting on Tuesday.

“Because of the calm and immediate actions of this Northport Village team of emergency responders, a healthy newborn is home and safe, surrounded by her loving parents," Spencer said in a press release. "I am so proud to recognize and honor them for their heroic actions.”

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On Saturday, Jan. 14, officers arrived to the Fifth Avenue home at around 5 p.m. to find the mother sitting on the bathroom floor with the unconscious baby, who turned a dark blue color, in her arms with the umbilical cord still attached, police say.

One of the officers determined the baby had a complete airway obstruction and attempted to clear the airway using her fingers to no avail. The officers then located an eyedropper in the home and began using it to remove fluid from the baby’s nose, mouth and throat.

After several moments, the baby began to cough, breathe and cry, police say.

The Northport Fire Department Rescue Squad then responded to the scene and gave the baby advanced medical care.

The mother and the baby were transported to Huntington Hospital and both made full recoveries.

“When you are dealing with a child, no matter how experienced you may be, your defenses naturally break down,” Northport Police Chief Bill Ricca said. “They kept their composure and did what they had to do."

Image via Northport Police