A Dallas police officer is being hailed as a hero after saving the life of a 1-year-old boy who had stopped breathing. Senior Corporal Sergio Perez, a veteran officer with the Dallas Police Department, described the rescue as a moment of divine intervention.
The life-saving incident occurred on what was supposed to be a routine night of training for Perez and his K9 partner, Goro. The duo had been working on honing Goro’s skills when Perez decided to treat the dog to some chicken nuggets at a nearby McDonald’s.
As Perez pulled into the parking lot, he heard the unmistakable sound of a woman screaming in panic. The cries for help immediately drew his attention, prompting him to investigate.
“So I pulled up to see what was going on,” Perez recalled. “A female came around the corner holding a child on her shoulders. She was frantic.”
The woman, who was the boy’s mother, explained that her 1-year-old son had suddenly stopped breathing. She had no idea what to do and was desperate for help.
Fortunately, Senior Corporal Perez had training in CPR and quickly sprang into action. Without hesitation, he took the boy from his mother’s arms and began performing chest compressions.
“I just knew I had to act fast,” Perez said. “In that moment, it felt like everything slowed down, and I knew God had placed me there for a reason.”
Moments later, the toddler coughed and began breathing again. The relief was palpable as the child’s mother burst into tears, thanking Perez for saving her son’s life.
The entire rescue was captured on Perez’s body camera, providing a firsthand look at the quick-thinking actions that saved the child. The footage has since been shared widely, drawing praise from both the community and fellow officers.
Dallas Police Chief Eddie Garcia commended Perez for his heroic actions. “Senior Corporal Perez exemplifies what it means to serve and protect,” Garcia said. “His quick response and calm demeanor made all the difference.”
Perez, however, remains humble about the incident, attributing the outcome to a higher power. “I truly believe it was divine intervention,” he said. “God put me in the right place at the right time.”
The boy was taken to a local hospital for further evaluation and was later reported to be in stable condition. Doctors credited Perez’s immediate response with preventing what could have been a tragic outcome.
The incident has also strengthened the bond between Perez and the boy’s family. The mother has expressed her eternal gratitude, calling Perez her “guardian angel.”
For Perez, the night was made even more special as it happened to be his birthday. “This was the best gift I could’ve asked for,” he said. “Being able to save a life is a blessing.”
The heroic rescue serves as a powerful reminder of the vital role first responders play in their communities. It also highlights the importance of being prepared for emergencies, as one officer’s training and faith made all the difference that night.
In the days following the rescue, Perez has received an outpouring of support and recognition, though he insists he was just doing his job. “I’m grateful for the opportunity to make a difference,” he said. “That’s why we do what we do.”
Brittany Mays 
Mandy Matthews