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North Plainfield Police Chief William G. Parenti, left, congratulating rookie Officer Mike Jean-Baptiste on his recent swearing in.

(North Plainfield Police)

NORTH PLAINFIELD — A rookie police officer on his final day of training saved the life of his fellow officer and field trainer, according to North Plainfield Police Chief William G. Parenti.

"The public is well aware the police are often called upon to help people in their time of need, and sometimes they even save lives," Parenti said. "However, it's a rare occasion that such action occurs in the police department lunch room."

At about 8 p.m. Saturday, veteran Officer Mike vonSpreckelsen and a newly hired trainee officer, Mike Jean-Baptiste, were sharing a meal together on the final day of Jean-Baptiste's field training under vonSpreckelsen's supervision, Parenti said.

During the meal, vonSpreckelsen began exhibiting signs of choking, and Jean-Baptiste jumped into action, Parenti said. BEGIN RELATED LINKS

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At first Jean-Baptiste attempted back blows on vonSpreckelsen with no success, but he then utilized the Heimlich maneuver to dislodge the obstruction in his fellow officer's airway that threatened his life, Parenti said.

Officer vonSpreckelsen was wearing a bullet-proof vest that got in the way of the compressions, so it took several attempts, but Jean-Baptiste kept it up until he was successful clearing the airway, a testament to his training, Parenti said.

"Training Officer vonSpreckelsen had already written his final report recommending Officer Jean-Baptiste as fit to begin patrolling on his own," Parenti said. "My guess is that after the lifesaving event, Officer vonSpreckelsen felt he made the right decision on Officer Mike Jean-Baptiste being ready to protect and serve the community."