APD officer saves infant

Alamogordo Police Department Station Officer Kerry Jarrett was presented the APD Lifesaving Medal at the Alamogordo City Commission regular meeting Tuesday for saving the life of an infant. 

The child and his family were at the meeting.

"Oh, they're here! Oh, that's awesome! That is so cool! This is little five-month-old Gerome (Armijo) right here. He looks a lot better now than he did last time I saw him," Jarrett said. "When I first encountered him (Monday), his little face was almost as red as this (folder) I mean it wasn't purple but it was really red. He was really struggling."

On Monday at about 10 a.m., Gerome's grandmother went to Alamogordo Police Station to get a bicycle and was working with Evidence Technician Janice Smotherman.

Outside the police station in the resident's parked car, Gerome got a piece of food hung in his throat. 

Smotherman told Jarrett about it and he went into action telling workers to call 911 while he brought Gerome into the police station and Jarrett performed first aid and dislodged the piece of food.

"Because of Officer Jarrett’s calmness, quick action and training, a young life full of possibility and potential was saved,"APD Chief Brian Peete said. "Officer Jarrett’s heroic performance and reaction serve as an inspiration to others; thus the Alamogordo Police Department has awarded Officer Kerry Jarrett with its Lifesaving Medal.

"The distinctive performance of Officer Kerry Jarrett reflect great credit upon himself, his profession, and the Alamogordo Police Department."

Jarrett has been with the City of Alamogordo for 35 years, he retired from the APD in 2006 after 22 years and nine months and then he returned as the APD's station officer.

Nicole Maxwell can be contacted by email at nmaxwell@alamogordonews.com, by phone at 575-415-6605 or on twitter at @nicmaxreporter