A Story of Hope: Cop Rescues Choking Girl in Texas

Body cam footage captures the tense moments as Sgt. Michael Lazarine saves a 2-year-old girl's life. A powerful story of skill and compassion.

by Admin

Oct 10, 2025

A quiet Sunday evening for the Walker family in Lindale, Texas, took a terrifying turn in the blink of an eye. What began as normal playtime ended in a desperate race against time when their 2-year-old daughter, Adelaide, affectionately known as Addy, began choking on a small plastic toy. It was a moment that underscored how quickly a family's world can be turned upside down.

A Parent's Worst Nightmare

Initially, Addy’s mother, Dasiy Walker, noticed her daughter was panting but didn’t immediately realize the cause was a life-threatening obstruction. “I thought maybe it was a tiny bead or something,” she recalled. “I never thought it was the toy she takes to bed with her.” After her attempt at the Heimlich maneuver was unsuccessful, panic set in. The Walkers called 911 and rushed toward a nearby urgent care, only to find it closed. Every parent's worst fear was becoming their reality, and as Dasiy’s husband ran with the phone, he pleaded with the dispatcher, “Please, my daughter is dying!” Choking is a leading cause of death in young children, with over 12,000 taken to emergency rooms each year, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

The Right Place, The Right Time, The Right Training

The 911 call, placed at 6:16 p.m., was answered by dispatcher Kimberly Smith, who calmly and professionally sent help. Incredibly, just 23 seconds later, Sgt. Michael Lazarine of the Lindale Police Department pulled into the Taco Bell parking lot where the frantic family stood. The national average response time for a priority call is around 10 minutes, making Sgt. Lazarine's arrival nothing short of extraordinary. “When I pull in, all I know is there’s a person choking,” Lazarine said. “I realized pretty quickly I had a different situation on my hands because she’s smaller and I can’t just do the standard Heimlich that they teach you in training.”

Fortunately, this was a scenario he was uniquely prepared for. Just months prior, the department had brought in a specialist to provide officers with pediatric CPR and life-saving techniques. That investment in law enforcement continuing education paid off at this critical moment. Body camera footage shows Sgt. Lazarine calmly taking Addy from her father and administering firm back blows and chest thrusts, dislodging the toy. “It’s almost as if I was supposed to be ready for this specific moment,” he reflected.

A Community's Gratitude

With the toy dislodged, Addy was safe. The relief was immediate and overwhelming for her parents, who are now forever grateful to the entire response team. “He got there so quickly. Without him, I’m certain she wouldn’t be here today,” Dasiy Walker stated, her words capturing the profound impact of the officer's actions. The Lindale Police Department also gave a heartfelt thank you to dispatcher Kimberly Smith for her perfect handling of the call, a crucial first step in this successful outcome. The incident is a testament to the power of preparedness and the seamless emergency services collaboration between dispatch and patrol.

A Final Thought

This rescue was more than just a police response; it was a moment of profound human connection forged in a crisis. It showcases the real-world impact of dedicated training and an officer’s commitment to serving the community. These are the stories that remind us of the quiet professionals who stand ready to help, humanizing the badge one life at a time.

For more inspiring stories about the brave men and women in law enforcement, visit our stories page.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

1. What should I do if a toddler is choking?

First, determine if the child can cough or make sounds. If they cannot, call 911 immediately. For a conscious child, the American Red Cross recommends cycles of five back blows followed by five chest thrusts. Never perform a blind finger sweep, as it can push the object further down. Following the dispatcher's instructions is crucial until help arrives.

2. What is the role of an emergency medical dispatcher?

An emergency medical dispatcher is a highly trained professional who answers 911 calls. Their role extends beyond just sending help; they provide critical, step-by-step pre-arrival instructions for medical emergencies like choking, CPR, or bleeding control. Their guidance can significantly improve a person's chance of survival before first responders arrive on the scene.

3. How are police officers trained for medical emergencies?

Police officers are often the first to arrive at a medical scene, so they receive extensive first aid, CPR, and AED training. Many departments, like the one in this story, also provide specialized training for pediatric emergencies, active shooter events, and overdose response (such as administering Narcan). This law enforcement continuing education ensures they are prepared for a wide range of life-threatening situations.

4. What types of calls do police officers respond to most often?

While high-profile incidents receive the most media attention, a large portion of what police officers do involves non-violent calls for service. This includes responding to medical emergencies, traffic accidents, noise complaints, domestic disputes, and wellness checks on vulnerable individuals. This varied work is a key part of serving the community and ensuring public safety.

5. Why is a quick emergency response time so important?

In a medical crisis like choking or cardiac arrest, every second counts. The brain can only survive for a few minutes without oxygen. A rapid response from first responders dramatically increases the chances of a positive outcome. This story's 23-second response time is exceptionally fast and highlights the value of having officers patrolling within the communities they serve.