Heroic Troopers Save Choking Infant in Maryland
March 26, 2026
In an impressive display of quick thinking and training, two Maryland State troopers are being recognized for their heroic actions after they saved a choking baby. The incident highlights the importance of emergency preparedness in life-threatening situations.
Bodycam footage from the Maryland State Police
Trooper First Class Taylor Hersh and Corporal Jonathan Stoltzfus were attending to a separate call when they were approached by a distraught grandmother pleading for help with her choking grandchild.
The urgency of the moment was palpable as they immediately responded to the emergency.
Footage from their body cameras captures the troopers sprinting toward the woman and performing crucial life-saving techniques in real-time.
Thanks to their rapid response, the infant’s airway was cleared almost immediately, allowing the baby to breathe once more and averting a potential disaster.
The Maryland State Police issued a statement underscoring the significance of the duo’s actions: “Without hesitation, the troopers immediately began lifesaving measures and were able to clear the infant’s airway… Their quick actions and training made all the difference, preventing what could have been yet another tragic outcome.”
Trooper Hersh remarked on the importance of being prepared for critical situations, noting, “All the good training that we have, it just becomes second nature at that point. We’re presented with critical situations a lot of times, and from that experience, you kind of just learn to stay calm and just not hesitate.”
Corporal Stoltzfus emphasized the diverse roles that state troopers fulfill, stating, “A lot of people look at the state police and think we’re traffic cops… But what people don’t realize — in Southern Maryland specifically — is we do everything. We do everything from going to medical calls to a traffic accident, to dealing with situations like this.”
The troopers’ decisive actions turned what could have been a tragic incident into one of safety and gratitude, earning them accolades from their department. “Job well done by Maryland’s Finest!👏” was the enthusiastic commendation from the Maryland State Police.
