STERLING HEIGHTS, Mich. – When seconds mattered most, a Sterling Heights police officer knew exactly what to do when responding to a call about a 1-year-old who had stopped breathing.
Evidence Technician Officer Matthew Virgadamo was dispatched Wednesday (Dec. 17) night to a home in the 8400 block of 18 Mile Road.
He arrived within one minute to find a mother standing outside her home holding her unresponsive son.
Body camera footage captured the intense moments as Virgadamo assessed the situation and began administering back blows.
The child had recently been ill and was being treated at home when he suddenly stopped breathing while lying on the sofa, prompting his mother to call 911.
The baby quickly resumed breathing and began crying.
“It felt really good knowing that I was able to help,” Virgadamo said. “I’m just very happy that they are going to be able to spend time together for the holidays and that it was a positive outcome.”
In an additional show of support, Sgt. Jespersen and Officer Emily Elger remained at the scene to care for the family’s 3-month-old baby until the children’s father arrived.
“Officer Virgadamo’s response represents policing at its very best,” Sterling Heights police Chief Andy Satterfield said. “His ability to arrive quickly, remain composed, and immediately take lifesaving action quite literally made the difference between life and death for this child.”