Heroic Southern California Cop Saves 7-Month-Old Girl Choking on Hair Clip
A dramatic bodycam video has captured the life-saving moment when a Southern California police officer, Corporal Greggory Cates, rescued a 7-month-old girl who was choking on a hair clip. The harrowing incident occurred on January 19th, when a frantic mother called 911, reporting that her baby was unable to breathe.
As Cates arrived on the scene, he found the mother frantically running into the street with the infant in her arms. "When I got there, the mom was running out to the street because her baby was choking on a hair clip," Cates explained. The officer quickly took charge and performed the Heimlich maneuver, which ultimately saved the baby's life.
The bodycam footage shows the mother crying out in distress as Cates works to dislodge the object from the baby's airway. Moments later, the baby lets out a sigh of relief, signaling that she is now breathing again.
"I'm thankful that I could have been there to help her," Cates said, visibly moved by the experience. For the officer, who is also a parent himself, the incident has had a lasting impact. "It relives in my mind, just seeing the video brings it back," he confessed.
The City of Orange recently recognized Cates for his bravery with the Life Saving Medal, awarding him at a city council meeting. The ceremony was also an opportunity for Cates to reunite with the grateful parents and their healthy baby, who seemed to recognize her rescuer's face.
While Cates appreciated the recognition, he emphasized that it's not about seeking accolades – his job is simply to serve and protect. "It's very nice to be recognized, but at the same time, it's not something that we're looking for," he said. The officer's selflessness has formed a lasting bond with the family, one that will stay in his heart forever.
Cates' actions that day demonstrate the dedication, compassion, and quick thinking that are hallmarks of an exceptional law enforcement professional. His heroism serves as a reminder of the importance of public service and the difference individuals can make in the lives of others.
A dramatic bodycam video has captured the life-saving moment when a Southern California police officer, Corporal Greggory Cates, rescued a 7-month-old girl who was choking on a hair clip. The harrowing incident occurred on January 19th, when a frantic mother called 911, reporting that her baby was unable to breathe.
As Cates arrived on the scene, he found the mother frantically running into the street with the infant in her arms. "When I got there, the mom was running out to the street because her baby was choking on a hair clip," Cates explained. The officer quickly took charge and performed the Heimlich maneuver, which ultimately saved the baby's life.
The bodycam footage shows the mother crying out in distress as Cates works to dislodge the object from the baby's airway. Moments later, the baby lets out a sigh of relief, signaling that she is now breathing again.
"I'm thankful that I could have been there to help her," Cates said, visibly moved by the experience. For the officer, who is also a parent himself, the incident has had a lasting impact. "It relives in my mind, just seeing the video brings it back," he confessed.
The City of Orange recently recognized Cates for his bravery with the Life Saving Medal, awarding him at a city council meeting. The ceremony was also an opportunity for Cates to reunite with the grateful parents and their healthy baby, who seemed to recognize her rescuer's face.
While Cates appreciated the recognition, he emphasized that it's not about seeking accolades – his job is simply to serve and protect. "It's very nice to be recognized, but at the same time, it's not something that we're looking for," he said. The officer's selflessness has formed a lasting bond with the family, one that will stay in his heart forever.
Cates' actions that day demonstrate the dedication, compassion, and quick thinking that are hallmarks of an exceptional law enforcement professional. His heroism serves as a reminder of the importance of public service and the difference individuals can make in the lives of others.
i mean who saves a 7-month-old girl from choking on a hair clip? that's like, insane! 
he's so brave and selfless, just doing his job but still making such a huge difference. you can tell it's not about him wanting recognition or anything, it's just that he wants to help people 
and save lives. i'm so glad the baby is okay now, and i hope the cop gets all the credit he deserves 
the cop just did his job, like everyone else on the force. it's not like he saved the baby from certain death or anything 
we're supposed to be impressed that he used the Heimlich maneuver? please, my grandma could've done that too 
and btw, what's with all the fuss about him being a parent himself? that just makes him more human, not heroic 
. I mean, can you imagine being in that situation with your own kid? It's terrifying enough to think about, let alone actually having to act fast to save 'em. The fact that Cates is a parent himself and it still had such an impact on him is just incredible 
. I'm so glad the family is safe and sound now, and I hope Cates knows how much of a hero he is to them too 
I'm so glad Cates was there to save that little girl's life. It's crazy how something like a hair clip could be life-threatening. As a parent myself, it's terrifying to think about what would happen if I wasn't around to protect my kid. The fact that he's still shaken by the experience says a lot about his professionalism and compassion as a cop. 