During a recent Germantown government meeting, Chief of Police highlighted the intense pressures faced by the Germantown Police Department, particularly during critical incidents. To illustrate this, Captain Ben Sharp recounted a harrowing event that took place on May 27, 2024, when officers responded to a distress call regarding a 5-day-old infant who was not breathing.

Upon arrival, officers Tremmel and Bernadis were guided by the child's father to the master bedroom, where they found the infant in distress, displaying signs of asphyxiation due to formula lodged in the airway. Acting swiftly, Officer Bridal initiated back blows to dislodge the obstruction, with Officer Bernadis assisting in the effort. Their prompt actions resulted in the infant expelling the formula and beginning to cry, indicating that the airway was cleared.

Emergency medical services arrived shortly thereafter and transported the child to a medical facility for further evaluation. A follow-up confirmed that the infant was in good health. In recognition of their life-saving efforts, the communications division awarded dispatcher Jailer Martinelli a commendation, while the police department's award committee determined that Officers Bridal and Bernadis qualified for the Life Saving Award.

The committee's decision was based on a thorough review of body-worn camera footage, which demonstrated the officers' quick and effective response. The child's father expressed profound gratitude, stating that without the officers' intervention, his child might not have survived.

The meeting concluded with a brief recess, during which photographs were taken to commemorate the officers' heroic actions and the contributions of local homeowners' associations.