Cook County sheriff’s police officer and choking driver he helped save in Ford Heights reunite
Cook County Police Officer Zachary Finn sprang into action when he noticed a woman who had pulled over on the side of the road as she was choking. (Photo/Cook Co. Sheriff’s Office)
COOK COUNTY, Ill. (WGN) — A moving reunion took place Tuesday, weeks after a Cook County police officer’s quick action saved a mother choking by the side of the road.
Cook County Sheriff’s Police Officer Zachary Finn, an 11-year department veteran, has received widespread praise from local law enforcement. Yet the highest acclaim comes from Laura Ann Munchenburg of Hammond, Indiana, whose life he saved. Finn sprang into action when he saw Munchenburg struggling outside her vehicle.
Speaking to WGN-TV on Oct. 28, Munchenburg recounted the terrifying moments she feared could be her last. She had been picking up her husband in Ford Heights in late September and had brought along some bagel bites.
“I took a bite of it, felt my nose tingling, and needed to sneeze. As I gasped to sneeze, it got lodged in my throat,” she said.
Cameras captured her frantic attempts to stay calm as she pulled over.
“The fear set in when you realize there’s no more breaths to take. There’s nobody helping, nobody is stopping,” Munchenburg said.
That’s when Officer Finn arrived.
“I pulled up next to the vehicle. A female got out, and she was holding her throat,” Finn said. Seeing the severity of the situation, he immediately performed the Heimlich maneuver, also known as abdominal thrusts, freeing the stuck food within seconds as Munchenburg gasped for air.
“I guess when he turned me around, I was blue, and boom, he sprang into action,” she said.
Though Finn had performed CPR before, this was his first time using the Heimlich maneuver in a real emergency. Paramedics arrived shortly after, but Munchenburg declined further medical treatment and was able to drive away safely.
Munchenburg reported no lasting injuries.
Cook County Sheriff’s Deputy Tom Dart praised Finn for his heroics.
“Officer Finn was absolutely amazing. He didn’t hesitate; pulls right up, sees what’s going on, and jumps in and saves this woman’s life. It was fantastic,” Dart said. “He’ll be up for an award. We do these at the end of the year. But clearly, life-saving awards at minimum.”
Both Dart and Finn emphasized the importance of learning life-saving skills. Munchenburg expressed profound gratitude for Finn’s timely intervention.
“I’m filled with gratitude that the right person arrived at the right time,” she said. “If he didn’t stop, I wouldn’t be standing here today. I’m extremely grateful for his quick thinking and understanding that, even though I couldn’t speak, he knew what was happening.”
She added with a laugh that she will be steering clear of eating while driving—and bagels—for the foreseeable future.
Laura Ann Munchenburg and Cook County Police Officer Zachary Finn (Photo/WGN)
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