COVINGTON, Ga. — A Georgia family is appreciative and demonstrating their gratitude for the Covington Police Department and first responders who saved their 15-month-old child who became unresponsive because of an obstructed airway.
Officers were dispatched to the Tovar home around 7:30 p.m. on May 2, regarding an infant choking, The Covington News reported.
When responding units arrived at the residence, Officer Matt Holbrook immediately began performing back thrusts on the unresponsive child. His actions eventually dislodged the object stuck in boy’s airway, according to the news organization.
“This letter is to thank and show all the appreciation to Officer Holbrook and Officers, E.M.T.s, Gabriela Mobley, and all of the town community that saved my son’s life,” wrote the Tovar family, according to the Covington Police Department. “Each one of the Officers came in a very timely manner, and were all very professional, caring, and helpful. The Tovar family cannot thank everyone enough for all the help. If other cities in Georgia were as helpful and professional as Covington, The State of Georgia would be a lot better and safer state. We love the work all of you do. You all do wonderful jobs. Thank y’all so much and God Bless.”
Holbrook also has been nominated for a departmental award for his life-saving actions, said spokesman Capt. Ken Malcom, The Covington News reported.
“Officer Matt Holbrook along with other officers quickly responded to the scene. When officers arrived, the infant was unresponsive, and his airway was obstructed,” Malcom said.
Holbrook grabbed the child and began giving him back thrusts, Malcom confirmed.
“This quick action helped dislodge the obstruction enough for the infant to begin to respond,” he said.
