LOGANSPORT — NOTE: The original version of this story misattributed a quote in the penultimate paragraph. The text has been corrected in this version. We regret the error.
Two Logansport firefighters were recognized by the city Wednesday for saving a seven-month-old baby who was choking last month.
The department received a call on Sept. 22 about a baby with what was thought to be an earring obstructing its airway.
Firefighter Matt Harris was driving the firetruck when he and fireman Jim Stotler arrived at 1830 Michigan Ave., within two minutes and were met at their vehicle by the mother of the child. She handed over her baby and asked them to help.
Stotler took the baby inside and when he couldn’t see the earring he performed the necessary back thrusts.
The object obstructing the airway fell out and it ended up being a ring with a butterfly on it. Stotler said Wednesday there was some bleeding where the ring had been, but the baby was fine.
Logansport Mayor Ted Franklin gave Harris and Stotler a certificate at the city’s board of works meeting Wednesday morning for saving the baby.
Harris, who has worked with the Logansport Fire Department for four years, and Stotler, who has worked there for eight years, had no idea they were going to be receiving an award when they attended the meeting.
“It means a lot to us,” Franklin said. “We aren’t able to thank them enough for the work that they do and I want to make sure it is recognized.”
Franklin presented both men with certificates.
“It’s important to note that we happened to be on the truck that day we got the call,” Harris said. “Every single guy here would have done the same thing.”
Harris said it was humbling to be recognized.
“It was a team effort and we’re just thankful it went well,” Harris said. “It’s our job to help people, but it’s great to have a mayor who appreciates the work our department does.”
Franklin, who is on a leave of absence from the fire department, had been a firefighter for almost 23 years when he was elected mayor.
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