Bronx Toddler Revived by NYPD Officers in Dramatic Rescue, Bodycam Footage Reveals

Dramatic body camera footage released by the New York Police Department captures the tense moments when two officers revived a choking toddler in the Bronx last month, the second such life-saving intervention by one of the involved officers in a matter of weeks.

Officers Freddy Cerpa and his partner, Megan Ficken, responded to a January 16 emergency call for an unconscious 2-year-old boy. The newly released video shows the officers working swiftly to clear the child's airway. The boy, who was choking on mucus, soon showed signs of life. He was transported to Jacobi Medical Center as a precaution and has since recovered fully.

The New York City Police Foundation hailed the actions in a statement, noting that Cerpa had also helped save a choking infant in December. "In a city of millions, it's these acts of courage and competence that define our police force," the statement read. "Officers Cerpa and Ficken exemplify the training and composure required when every second is critical."

For Cerpa, a relatively new officer, the December experience proved invaluable. "The first one was definitely surreal," he told local media. "But this time, it was all Officer Ficken—she was there first. I was just glad I was able to assist." The department is reviewing the incident, with officials suggesting both officers may be formally recognized for their actions.

Analysis: This incident underscores the expanding role of police as first responders in medical emergencies, particularly in dense urban areas where ambulance response times can vary. The repeated nature of such calls for Officer Cerpa within weeks is statistically unusual, pointing to both the frequency of pediatric choking hazards and the element of chance in patrol work. The public release of bodycam footage continues to be a double-edged strategy for police departments, building public trust through transparency while potentially exposing officers and victims to heightened scrutiny.

Community Voices

Maria Rodriguez, Bronx Resident & Mother of Three: "Seeing that video brought tears to my eyes. As a parent, your worst fear is something happening to your child and feeling helpless. To know officers like these are patrolling our streets, trained and ready to act, it gives you a real sense of security. They're heroes in my book."

David Chen, Local Small Business Owner: "It's a good news story, and we need those. But let's not forget this is their job—a job we fund with our taxes. We should expect competent emergency response. Commend them, absolutely, but let's also use this moment to ask if we're providing enough funding for advanced first-aid training for all patrol officers."

Elijah "Eli" Jackson, Community Activist: "A toddler is saved, and that's what matters most. But let's be real: if this bodycam footage showed an officer failing or making a mistake, the narrative would be about 'systemic failure' and 'defunding.' The NYPD's PR machine is in full swing here, packaging a feel-good story to gloss over deeper issues. Where's this energy for accountability in other cases?"

Dr. Anya Sharma, Pediatrician at Jacobi Medical Center: "Choking is a leading cause of injury in young children. This successful outcome highlights the vital importance of basic airway management knowledge—not just for police, but for caregivers and bystanders. I hope this incident prompts more families to learn the Heimlich maneuver and CPR."