2 Grand Rapids Police Officers Recognized For Saving Newborn

GRAND RAPIDS, MI — The Grand Rapids Police Department has recognized two of its officers for saving the life of an infant who was not breathing on Dec. 17.

"We would like to recognize Officers Steward and Johnston for their heroic efforts in saving the life of a young child," the department said in a statement. "Their commitment to the health and well-being of every community member is what defines a Grand Rapids Police Officer."

Officers Amanda Stewart and Ryan Johnston were the closest first responders at 2:47 a.m. Dec. 17, when an ECHO call was issued through the department's dispatch regarding a newborn child who was not breathing, the department said. An ECHO call is the highest-level medical call, according to the department, and requires that any available police, fire or ambulance unit respond immediately.

The officers arrived at the call within minutes, where they found the newborn not breathing, the department said. Stewart, who was a paramedic prior to becoming a police officer, recognized that the baby’s airway was blocked with mucous, officials said. Johnston performed CPR while Stewart began clearing the airway. Within minutes, the infant regained a pulse and its airway cleared, officials said.

The child was then taken to Helen DeVos Children’s Hospital for additional care and doing well, according to police.