You can’t put a price on being in the right place at the right time.
The right place and the right time for North East Police Department (NEPD) Officer Leticia Sanchez was during the lunch rush at the Harris Middle School cafeteria. She noticed David Smith choking on his lunch. He approached her, knowing he could go to her for help, and she jumped into action – successfully performing the life-saving Heimlich maneuver.
“It was a very scary situation to see David choking and approach me for help,” said Officer Sanchez. “I knew I had to act fast to help David. Performing the Heimlich maneuver for the first time and seeing David take a breath again was such a relief. It’s part of my job, but I’m grateful that David trusted in me to help him.”
After David flagged down Officer Sanchez for help and was breathing on his own again, he was escorted to the nurse’s office to make sure he was okay.
David instinctively knew where to turn during an incredibly stressful moment. Officer Sanchez did not hesitate to step up and help. She’s just one shining example of the care, commitment and professionalism that our NEPD officers provide to our students, staff, families and communities.
Thank you, Officer Sanchez!
