Detective Michael Harton of the North Haven Police Department in Connecticut has become the godfather of a young girl whose life he saved four years ago when she was an infant.
Tooka, affectionately known as his “little angel” by Detective Harton, owes her life to the quick thinking and heroic actions of her now-uncle.
Born prematurely, Tooka was with her mother, Nikki Huckaby, at a North Haven movie theater when the unthinkable happened.
“I went to pick her up when the movie was over, and I realized she wasn’t breathing,” recounted Huckaby. “I was hysterical.”
Fortunately, fate had stationed Detective Harton at the theater that night. Dramatic video footage, never before released to the public, captured the intense moments as Harton sprang into action to save the life of the choking infant.
“I grabbed her and tried to revive her as much as I could, and she just went limp on me,” recalled Harton, a certified EMT whose training kicked in during this high-pressure situation.
Performing the Heimlich maneuver, abdominal thrusts and back blows, Harton worked tirelessly to save Tooka, who was under fifteen pounds at the time.
The emotional body-cam footage, viewed by Huckaby for only the second time, showcased the intensity of the moment and the overwhelming relief when the baby started crying.
“That cry was the best thing ever,” said Harton, believing that the mucus causing the choking had begun to clear. “I almost start crying myself.”
The story doesn’t end with the life-saving moment.
Detective Harton, now Tooka’s godfather, has become an integral part of her life. He attends significant milestones, from her first day of school to delivering holiday presents alongside his wife, Auntie Sue.
“I’ll be there for her graduation and wedding,” expressed Harton, reflecting on the unexpected growth of their family that day. “Every time I see her, it’s a great day.”
As Tooka turns 5, Detective Harton will be there to celebrate yet another milestone. The bond between Tooka and her uncle is a testament to the extraordinary impact that acts of heroism can have, reaching far beyond the call of duty.
