On October 14, 2021, at approximately 9:47 PM Montclair Police responded to 37 Nishuane Road on a report of a six-day-old infant not breathing. Officers Kevin Ortiz, Matthew Dobrowolski, and Sean Verbist arrived within minutes of the 9-1-1 call.
Officer Ortiz took hold of six-day-old Diego from his frantic parents, Mr. Jorkell Echeverria and Ms. Lynette Rente, and determined that his airway was obstructed. Officer Ortiz flipped Diego over and began giving back blows. After approximately ten to fifteen back blows, Diego vomited the obstruction and began crying. Officer Verbist arrived on scene and assisted by setting up and providing oxygen to Diego while Officer Ortiz continued to hold Diego and keep him alert. Over time, Diego began to return to a natural coloring.
Ms. Rente informed the Police that she was breast-feeding Diego when he began to choke on the milk and stopped breathing. Diego then began to turn a dark color, which is when 9-1-1 was called and officers responded. The ambulance unit soon arrived and the infant was transported to the hospital for precautionary measures.
The officers on scene reacted according to their training. They were professional, compassionate, and helped save an infant's life.
From Mr. Jorkell Echeverria and Ms. Lynette Rente:
“My family and I are eternally grateful for the assistance of Montclair Police on the evening of October 14th when our six-day old son was in distress. Officer Ortiz, and his fellow officers were at our home within minutes of our 911 call. Officer’s Ortiz immediately rushed in and began CPR on Diego. His quick efforts relieved Diego's distress and our anxiety when we finally heard Diego's loud cries. Officer Ortiz even followed up the next week with a Teddy Bear in hand to check in on Diego and our family. Thankfully, this was a one-time incident, Diego is now growing big and strong.
Thank you, does not seem sufficient to express our gratitude for the assistance of Officers Ortiz, Verbist, Dobrowolski and the emergency personnel that quickly arrived at our home on October 14, 2021. Our family is eternally grateful for the assistance of Officer Ortiz, the Montclair Police, and fellow emergency personnel.”
From Chief Conforti and Deputy Chief Young:
“We could not be more proud of the work done by our officers every day. ‘Thanks’ is never asked for or even expected. We have a job to do for the people of Montclair. We will always strive to be our best. We appreciate this beautiful family reaching out as these officers did a great thing that evening. We are blessed to be able to do what we do.”
The below picture was taken a few days after the initial medical call. Officer Ortiz went back to check on the beautiful baby.
