Griffo Honors Those Who Helped Save Choking Child

State Senate Deputy Minority Leader Joe Griffo presented New York State Senate Liberty Medals to Rome Police Sgt. Nick Martin, Det. Jeffrey Lanigan and Officer Kelly Lupinski.

A ceremony was held Thursday morning in the Rome Common Council Chambers.

The three officers helped save a choking toddler this past summer at a Rome park.

The three-year old was choking on a gumball when emergency personnel arrived at Franklyn's Field on North James Street.

After performing CPR on the child, the three police officers were able to able to open a small airway for the child.

The child was taken to Rome Memorial Hospital, where emergency room staff were able to remove the gumball.

The toddler was transferred to Upstate Golisano Children's Hospital. He was released the following day.