Sometimes real life is like a reality show Quick action by police officers saves infant's life BY JAMIE ROMM Staff Writer MIDDLETOWN - When Mayor Gerard Scharfenberger was told the story of how speedy police action had saved a child, he could not believe the episode happened in real life. "When I first heard this story, it was something that could only happen on a TV show," Scharfenberger said. "It's remarkable what happened, and thank God, it had a happy ending." Police Dispatcher Lisa Griffin and Police Officers Gregory Buhowski and Joseph Ahlemeyer were presented with Life Saving awards at the December Township Committee meeting for their roles in saving the life of a child. On Dec. 6 at 6:19 p.m., Griffin received a 911 call from a resident who said her 7- month-old son was unresponsive. Griffin immediately dispatched officers and EMS personnel to the scene. She continued speaking with the very upset caller to ascertain if the infant was breathing. Griffin very calmly gave instructions to the caller on how to perform rescue breathing, which the caller did until the officers arrived. "Any parent in this room can imagine what kind of fear this mother had to go through," Scharfenberger said as he continued to relate the story. Buhowski and Ahlemeyer were on the scene within minutes. Ahlemeyer determined the infant was not breathing and initiated rescue breathing. Due to the seriousness of the infant's condition, the officers decided not to await the arrival of medical personnel and to transport the child to the hospital via patrol car. Buhowski drove as Ahlemeyer continued rescue breathing. En route to the hospital, the baby began to breathe on his own. After being treated in the emergency room, the infant was responsive and alert. Scharfenberger then asked Griffin if the baby is now OK, and Griffin assured him that he is. "It's a very stressful situation to be in," Police Chief Robert Oches said. "It's a credit to the mother to be calm enough to deal with the dispatch and officers. These officers came in, and their police training immediately kicked in and their response was perfect." Scharfenberger agreed with the police chief 's statement. "It's just a remarkable story," Scharfenberger said.