In a heart-stopping moment captured on video, three El Monte police officers are being hailed as heroes after they successfully saved the life of a choking boy earlier this week. The incident occurred on Monday around 8 p.m. when Officer Raul Vega responded to an emergency call regarding a choking child in an undisclosed location.

Upon arriving at the scene, Officer Vega discovered 8-year-old Ethan Cante unconscious and without breath, his airways blocked by a piece of candy. Thinking quickly, Officer Dennis Chiu, who had just arrived as well, provided the LifeVac device, an anti-choking device recently acquired by the El Monte Police Department.

The LifeVac device was swiftly used by Officer Chiu, allowing the obstruction to be cleared from young Ethan's airways, preventing a potentially dire outcome. The El Monte Police Department had purchased 200 LifeVac devices in April, and this was the first time it was utilized since their acquisition.

Officer Vega expressed his gratitude for his fellow officers and the training they received, stating, "Luckily, with my partners and the training we had, we were able to get the candy out. This [device] is a life saver."

The heroic efforts of the officers did not go unrecognized. Ethan, along with his mother, were reunited with the officers at a city council meeting on Friday evening. During the gathering, the officers were presented with Life Saving awards, honoring their quick thinking and bravery that saved Ethan's life.

The El Monte Police Department's acquisition of the LifeVac devices has proven to be a vital asset in emergency situations, exemplified by the successful outcome in saving Ethan's life. The incident serves as a reminder of the crucial importance of equipping law enforcement officers with the necessary tools and training to handle such critical situations effectively.

This heartwarming story is a testament to the dedication and commitment of the El Monte Police Department and their unwavering determination to protect and serve their community.