Hero Newburgh security guard officer for saving fifth-grade girl while choking
Newburgh NY Sept 24 2022
A hero school security guard from Newburgh was awarded today for saving a fifth-grader choking during lunch.
Hector Almodovar received the New York state “Liberty Medal” – which is the highest honor given by the state Senate.
Almodovar is a retired NYPD officer who was on lunch duty at Balmville Elementary School last April when he saw then-fifth grader, Ariana Miranda, choking on a piece of orange.
He performed the Heimlich maneuver on the young girl three times and saved her life.
“It’s an honor to accept this award. It was all Ariana. I’m just happy she’s okay and she’s safe. Thank God,” said Almodovar.
Almodovar served 25 years with the NYPD before retiring and working for the Newburgh school district.
