Police officer revives young boy

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - A baby could have died from a severe allergic reaction, but a Buffalo Police officer was in the right place at the right time.

The drama of the lifesaving moments unfolded right under a Buffalo street camera.

Officer Jose Vega, a 22 year veteran of the force performed mouth to mouth resuscitation and CPR to revive a 23- month-old boy.

Friday, he and the parents of Izaiah White gathered with city leaders at Buffalo Police Headquarters.

The baby's mother Kenetria Allen said, "Things like this should not go unrecognized."
"They immediately stepped in when we called and asked no questions. They did what they had to do to save my son."

Officer Vega said, "I was doing the best I could with just leveling him on my forearms."
"22 years of training. It just comes to you. Thank goodness it comes to you."

Izaiah suffered an apparent allergic reaction Wednesday to medicine he was taking for a respiratory infection. His parents were actually rushing him to the hospital when he stopped breathing twice.

The second time, they flagged down the police who happened to be in the area.

Officers Ferrell and Stover Kelly assisted in the rescue.

Engine 37 firefighters took over once they arrived.

Buffalo Police Commissioner H. McCarthy Gipson said, "The three officers worked as one unified body in trying to apply life saving measures to this young child."

Izaiah turns two in just a few weeks. His mom told News 4 he was born with Down Syndrome and is a real fighter. He continues to fight for his life at Women and Children's while she prays for a full recovery.

Officer Vega said, "I call him baby Lazarus because he came through."

Officer Vega's daughter beamed as he spoke, thrilled to be part of this moment.

Christina Vega said, "He didn't panic. He took a little boy, and gave him mouth to mouth. I'm so proud of him."

City leaders say the rescue underscores the need for people to learn CPR. In this case, knowing what to do, perhaps, saved a baby's life.