On July 21, 2026, at approximately 12:50 a.m., Officer Scott Barrett of the Southmayd Police Department was dispatched to a residence in Southmayd regarding a medical emergency involving a 23-month-old child who was reportedly choking and had stopped breathing.
Officer Barrett responded immediately, along with Officers Weilke and Quinones of the Gunter Police Department.
Upon arrival, Officer Barrett observed the child’s mother holding her 23-month-old daughter, who was unconscious, unresponsive and not breathing. He also observed blood coming from the child’s mouth and nose.
Without hesitation, Officer Barrett took custody of the child and immediately began administering age-appropriate back blows in an effort to dislodge the suspected airway obstruction.
After several back blows, the child began whimpering and crying, indicating that her airway had been at least partially cleared and that she had resumed breathing.
Officer Barrett continued to monitor and care for the child until Whitesboro EMS arrived on scene. The child was then transported by ambulance to Texoma Medical Center for further evaluation and treatment.
After completing the initial investigation, Officer Barrett traveled to Texoma Medical Center to check on the child’s condition. Upon entering the room, he observed the child awake, alert, conscious and in stable condition. He spoke with a trauma nurse, who advised that the child was expected to make a full recovery.
Later that day, Chief Jeff Laughlin and Lieutenant Aguirre conducted a follow-up visit with the family at their residence. They were grateful to find the child back home and doing well.
During the visit, the child’s mother expressed her heartfelt appreciation, stating that she firmly believes Officer Barrett’s quick response, decisive actions and lifesaving efforts are the reason her daughter is alive today.
Incidents like this serve as a powerful reminder that police officers are often the first to arrive during life-threatening emergencies. While sworn to enforce the law, they are equally committed to preserving life whenever and wherever they are called upon to serve.
The Southmayd Police Department would also like to recognize the outstanding CPR training recently provided by the Southmayd Fire Department. Just last week, members of the Fire Department recertified not only their own personnel but several Southmayd police officers in CPR and emergency lifesaving techniques.
The knowledge and skills reinforced during that training proved invaluable during this incident and undoubtedly contributed to this positive outcome.
Additionally, the Southmayd Police Department extends its sincere gratitude to its outstanding partners at the Gunter Police Department and Whitesboro Fire Department for their immediate response and unwavering support.
Strong partnerships among neighboring agencies are essential to providing the highest level of public safety, and Southmayd is proud to stand alongside them in serving and protecting the citizens of Southmayd, Dorchester and the surrounding communities.
The Southmayd Police Department is thankful for this outcome and asks the community to continue keeping this child and her family in their thoughts and prayers.
The Southmayd Police Department is grateful that what could have been a tragic incident became a story of hope, teamwork and the dedication of first responders committed to protecting life.
