By Joanna Putman
Police1
NORTH HAVEN, Conn. — A life-saving action by Detective Michael Harton led to a lasting bond with a child he saved and her family, FOX News reported.
Five years ago, Harton, a 27-year veteran of the North Haven Police Department, responded to an emergency involving a 3-month-old baby girl, Eimaan “Tooka” Rolle, who was not breathing, according to the report.
“Everybody’s lives changed for the better that night — especially mine,” Harton told Fox News Digital.
He emphasized the significance of community support, saying, “We’re all human. It’s nice to be able to take care of each other, no matter where we come from or what our situation may be.”
The incident occurred when Nikki Huckaby, Tooka’s mother, was at a movie theater for their first outing since Tooka was born prematurely, according to the report. After Tooka stopped breathing, Huckaby sought help from Harton, who was on duty at the theater. Harton, who is also a trained EMT, performed a variation of the Heimlich maneuver on Tooka.
“She was frantic,” Harton said, recalling Huckaby’s state during the incident. Through his intervention, Tooka was revived, a moment Harton describes as a rollercoaster of emotions, emphasizing his determination with, “Not on my watch.”
The event created a deep connection between Harton and Huckaby’s family, with Harton becoming an integral part of their lives and even being called “Uncle Mike” by Tooka, according to the report.
“We just became part of each other’s lives,” Harton said, reflecting on the relationship that has developed over the years. He and his wife, Susan, have since been involved in Tooka’s birthdays, holidays and significant milestones, celebrating her progress and achievements, according to the report.