New Freeport Officer Saves Infant’s Life on Third Day of Training

On May 6, 2024, Officer Brittany Barker of the Freeport Police Department and her Field Training Officer, Corporal Earl, responded to an urgent call regarding a 9-month-old child who was not breathing. Upon arriving, they encountered a frantic mother holding a cold, limp child.

Officer Barker immediately took action, administering emergency first aid, including sternum rubs, and preparing for CPR. The child began to spit up and cry but soon went unconscious again. Officer Barker repositioned and stimulated the child, leading to vomiting on her uniform. As EMS arrived, Officer Barker ran the child outside and handed the child over to the medical team.

After ensuring the child’s transfer to EMS, Officer Barker continued her duties by investigating the incident and calming the distressed parents. Remarkably, this was only her third day on the job, and she was still in field training.

In recognition of her quick thinking and bravery, Officer Barker was honored as the Employee of the Month for May 2024 by the Freeport City Council during their Monday night meeting.