EMMITSBURG, Md. — A firefighter leaving the National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service on Sunday helped save a child’s life on the side of an interstate.
Firefighter Brody Channel, a firefighter from Arkansas, was at the memorial service to honor his father, Dennis, who died in the line of duty last year. While on his way home, he saw a police officer pulled on the side of an interstate trying to save the life of an unresponsive 9-month-old girl.
Officer James Herman was also on his way home when he pulled over a vehicle on the shoulder. The traffic stop was interrupted when a couple behind the officer’s cruiser ran to him and said the child was unresponsive.
Firefighter Channel stopped his vehicle and offered assistance to the officer. He identified himself as an out-of-state firefighter.
Officer Herman began CPR and handed the baby to the firefighter in order to radio EMS crews to respond to the location. That’s when the child regained consciousness and started crying before EMS arrived to transport her to a hospital.
“There was a National Fallen Firefighters Memorial Service in Emmitsburg, Md., yesterday, and the man was wearing a shirt associated with that memorial. It is possible that this man had attended this service earlier in the day. The Department would like to thank this individual for his willingness to come to the assistance of our officer and this child,” according to a news release.
Capt. Dennis Channell, 54, was a volunteer firefighter with the Poyen (Ark.) Fire Department for more than 20 years. He suffered a stroke while on a medical call in February 2014.
Officer Herman is an 11-year veteran of the Montgomery County (Md.) Police Department.
“I am very proud that Officer Herman was in the right place at the right time to save this infant’s life,” said Bethesda District Commander Capt. David Falcinelli. “He followed his training and his efforts resulted in a positive outcome. He is an excellent representative of the dedication and professionalism that Montgomery County Police officers possess.”
The child is still in the hospital, but is expected to make a full recovery. Hospital officials said she suffered a “fever seizure” when she stopped breathing, according to CBS DC. The officer and firefighter were credited for saving her life due to their quick actions.