March 29, 2024

Officer honored after saving choking toddler

FORT DODGE — A north central Iowa police officer is being hailed as a hero after saving an 18-month-old boy from choking to death last month.

Patrol officer Cody Harris became the first recipient of the Fort Dodge Police Department Lifesaving Medal on Monday night. Mayor Matt Bemrich also proclaimed Monday to be Cody Harris Recognition Day. Authorities say Harris responded to a report of a boy choking at restaurant at a shopping center on Dec. 8. They say Harris arrived before emergency medical responders and was able to clear the boy’s airway so he could breathe again.