DECATUR -- "Officer Deason followed his training and acted without hesitation. His actions were both necessary and deliberate. He was able to maintain his composure and demeanor in an emergency situation and, in doing so, saved the life of a child" was part of a commendation that was read during the Feb. 23 Decatur City Council meeting in the conference room at city hall.

The incident occurred Jan. 2 at approximately 9:15 p.m. when Decatur Police Officer Randy Deason was dispatched to 191 Setser Street, where a three-month-old infant was choking and unresponsive. When he arrived, Deason found the mother and baby waiting in the front yard of the residence. The mother held the child on his back and he was struggling to breathe.

In the commendation read by Savage, "Officer Deason (then) began to apply the Juvenile Heimlich Maneuver to the child. After applying the maneuver a few times the object in the child's throat was dislodged and the infant began breathing."

Five minutes later, first responders arrived to take over the rescue. The infant was taken to a nearby hospital for further evaluation.

"His actions have brought credit and honor upon the Decatur Police Department and the city of Decatur," Savage concluded." It is with the utmost honor, privilege and respect that I award Officer Randy Deason the Decatur Police Department's Life-Saving Medal."

Deason's wife had the honor of pinning the department ribbon on his uniform. At the conclusion of the ceremony, the city council gave Deason a standing ovation for his actions.

Savage reported that the infant had recovered from the incident and is doing fine.