When Tooka gets home from school, she runs into the outstretched arms of her Uncle Mike. He’s been a constant in her life for the past four years since this long-time police officer saved her life at a movie theater with her mother.
Officer Mike Harton sprang into action but the certified EMT had never worked on a baby so small. Tooka was born premature and weighed under fifteen pounds.
He performed the Heimlich maneuver, abdominal thrusts and back blows, techniques he’d learned for helping a choking infant and then… Tooka started crying.
Uncle Mike is now Tooka’s godfather, showing up for her first day of school and delivering holiday presents alongside his wife, Auntie Sue.
It’s a moment that will always stand out in a 27-year career. Now, Harton lives with a little angel by his side and as Tooka turns five on Friday, Uncle Mike will be there to help her celebrate.