A Newburgh Enlarged City School District security monitor is being hailed a hero for saving the life of a second grader.
On Thursday, April 20, 2023, security monitor Tyreek Johnson was observing the lunch meal in the Vail’s Gate School cafeteria. He noticed a student was choking and quickly sprung into action without hesitation.
Johnson performed the Heimlich maneuver on the student as she was clearly in distress. He was able to dislodge the food item.
“Mr. Johnson’s quick response saved this student’s life and a more serious emergency was avoided,” the Newburgh Enlarged City School District wrote in a statement. “We commend Mr. Johnson for his vigilance and quick response and are so thankful that he was able to use his training to render aid to the second grade student. Well done, Mr. Johnson! We appreciate you!”
The incident came almost exactly one year to the day after a security monitor saved the life of a fifth grader at Balmville Elementary School.
On April 19, 2022, Balmville security officer Hector Almodovar was monitoring the lunch meal when he noticed a student was choking (story here). He rushed into action, performed the Heimlich, and dislodged a piece of an orange. He later received life-saving awards from the Newburgh Town Board and the New York State Senate.
