ORANGE, Calif. (KABC) — An Orange police officer is being celebrated as a hero after rescuing a 7-month-old girl who was choking on a hair clip. The lifesaving moment was captured on emotional bodycam video.
Corporal Greggory Cates was on patrol on Jan. 19 when a frantic mother called 911, reporting that her baby was unable to breathe. Cates arrived first and encountered the mother running into the street with the infant in her arms.
“When I got there, the mom was running out to the street because her baby was choking on a hair clip. It was pretty intense, just the situation. And mom handed me the baby,” Cates said.
The bodycam video shows the mother crying out in agony as Cates performs the Heimlich maneuver. Moments later, the baby lets out a sound — a sign she is breathing again.
“It was a moment. Just a big deep breath. Just like, ‘Thank God, OK, we’re good, she’s breathing,'” Cates said. “I’m thankful that I could have been there to help her.”
The baby was taken to a hospital as a precaution, and Cates accompanied the family. He said the incident continues to replay in his mind.
“It relives in my mind, just seeing the video brings it back. I do tear up sometimes,” he said.
Cates, who is also a parent, said the mother’s fear stayed with him.
“I’m a parent, too, so I’ve not necessarily been in that situation before, but mom needed help,” he said.
This week, the City of Orange recognized Cates for his actions, awarding him the Life Saving Medal during a city council meeting. The officer was reunited with the parents and the baby he rescued.
“She looked happy and healthy,” he said. “I feel like there was maybe a little bit of recognition. She kind of locked eyes on me, like, ‘Hey, I think I know you.'”
Cates said he appreciates the honor, but emphasized that his job is about service.
“It’s very nice to be recognized, but at the same time, it’s not something that we’re looking for. We were just there to try and help people,” Cates said.
The moment has formed a bond between the officer and the family — one he says he won’t forget.