Two Harrison police officers heroically saved the life of a child who had an obstructed airway earlier this week.
According to Det. Lt. Matthew Murphy, of the Harrison Police Department:
On Feb. 23, 2026, at approximately 3:45 p.m., Harrison police officers were dispatched to a home on Washington Street following a report of a child experiencing a medical emergency.
Upon arrival, Officers Luis Terrones and Cindy Alba located an unresponsive toddler who appeared to be in respiratory distress. Officer Terrones immediately assessed the situation and began administering lifesaving first aid in an effort to address a possible airway obstruction. Officer Alba assisted in securing the scene and supporting the emergency response.
Shortly thereafter, personnel from the Harrison Fire Department and Harrison EMS arrived and continued medical treatment. The infant became responsive prior to transport and was taken to a local medical facility for further evaluation.
“The Harrison Police Department commends Officer Terrones and Officer Alba for their swift, decisive actions and professionalism,” Murphy said. “Their immediate response, along with the coordinated efforts of fire and EMS personnel, was instrumental in achieving a positive outcome.”
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Kevin A. Canessa Jr. is the editor of and broadcaster at The Observer, an organization he has served since 2006. He is responsible for the editorial content of the newspaper and website, the production of the e-Newspaper, writing several stories per week (including the weekly editorial), conducting live broadcasts on social media channels such as YouTube, Facebook, and X, including a weekly recap of the news — and much more behind the scenes. Between 2006 and 2008, he introduced the newspaper to its first-ever blog — which included podcasts, audio and video. Originally from Jersey City, Kevin lived in Kearny until 2004, lived in Port St. Lucie. Florida, for four years until February 2016 and in March of that year, he moved back to Kearny to return to The Observer full time. Click Here to send Kevin an email.
