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BCSO Officially Commends Assistant Chief and Wife for Saving Choking Baby

UTPD Assistant Chief Sean Patterson and his wife Anaida today were reunited with Joseph, the one-year-old baby they saved from choking on Highway 321. Blount County Sheriff James Berrong gave the Pattersons official commendations for their quick action.

From left: BCSO Sheriff James Berrong, UTPD Chief Troy Lane, Anaida Patterson, and Assistant Chief Sean Patterson who is holding Joseph

UTPD Assistant Chief Sean Patterson and his wife Anaida today were reunited with Joseph, the one-year-old baby they saved from choking on Highway 321.

Blount County Sheriff James Berrong gave the Pattersons official commendations for their quick action.

Sean Patterson received the Law Enforcement Commendation, which is awarded to a police officer for exceptional acts of valor that aids someone in need.

Anaida Patterson, a retired NYPD officer, received the Citizen Service Commendation.

The Pattersons were driving on Highway 321 in Blount County on June 28 when they noticed a car rapidly pull over in the northbound lane. Austin Orasco jumped out of the vehicle and went around to the rear passenger seat. When the Pattersons came upon the scene, they found that Austin and his wife Haley were holding an unconscious Joseph. Patterson, a trained EMT, took Joseph, who was blue and not breathing, and delivered back blows. A lodged object cleared from the throat of the baby, who began to breathe and regain color.

The Orascos, Joseph and their two-year-old daughter Serenity were present at today’s ceremony.

Also today, the Blount County Sheriff’s Office commended Deputy Devan Teaster for providing lifesaving measures to a man who was seriously injured in a car accident on July 5. The man was bleeding profusely from an arm injury and Teaster stopped the bleeding by applying a tourniquet, which keep the man conscious and alive.

Teaster received the Lifesaving Award, which is given to a sworn or civilian employee who is directly responsible for saving a life.