WHITPAIN TOWNSHIP, Pennsylvania — A Whitpain Township police officer has been honored after officials said her rapid response saved the life of a 10-month-old baby who was choking on a piece of plastic.

According to Main Line Media News, Officer Katherine Essenthier received a commendation for exceptional service from Montgomery County District Attorney Kevin R. Steele during a May 13 law-enforcement commendation ceremony at the county’s Public Safety Training Campus.

The local report said the emergency happened at 5:09 p.m. on July 1, 2025, when Essenthier responded to a Whitpain Township residence for a 911 call involving a 10-month-old baby in cardiac arrest who had been choking on plastic.

Steele said Essenthier found the baby unresponsive in his mother’s arms, checked the child’s airway, and began back blows after no visible obstruction could be removed, according to the report.

After repeated efforts, a piece of plastic came out of the baby’s mouth and the child began crying and appeared to breathe normally, the report said. Medical personnel later arrived and found the baby’s vital signs were normal, according to Steele’s remarks as reported by Main Line Media News.

Commended for service, courage, and compassion

Steele said Essenthier’s actions “exemplified the highest standards of service, courage and compassion in law enforcement,” according to the report.

The commendation was one of several honors presented to law-enforcement officers and civilians during the ceremony, which Steele said recognized extraordinary efforts and exemplary work protecting Montgomery County residents.

For public-safety supporters, the story is a reminder that many life-saving calls turn on the first calm, trained person through the door — and on officers willing to keep working through the worst seconds until a child breathes again.

Sources and attribution

  • Main Line Media News reported the commendation, names, timeline, response details, and District Attorney Steele’s remarks.
  • The Mercury / Pottsmerc carried the same MediaNews Group report.
  • The featured image is an original ThinBlueNews editorial graphic. It is not a baby, family, residence, or incident photo.