LASD Transit Deputies and Pasadena PD Officers Save a Life in Pasadena

(Left to Right) Officer Tom Blanchard, Deputy Arnulfo Aguirre, Officer John Calderon, and Deputy Vladimir Vasquez-Flores. – Courtesy photo

LA Sheriff’s Transit Bureau North Deputies and Pasadena Police Officers saved the life of a man who was choking while eating dinner on Sunday, May 1, at approximately 7 p.m. Deputy Arnulfo Aguirre and his partner Deputy Vladimir Vasquez-Flores, were assigned to the Metro Gold Line. Deputies Aguirre and Vasquez-Flores were on their dinner break at the Stonefire Grill in Pasadena. Seated nearby were Pasadena PD Officers John Calderon and Tom Blanchard, also on their dinner break.

Deputy Aguirre noticed a male waving his hands in the air in obvious distress. Jonathan Staffeldt, who was dining with his family, was choking and unable to breathe. Aguirre ran towards Staffeldt and began to administer abdominal thrusts to dislodge any obstruction. After approximately 10 thrusts, Calderon took over and delivered a few more abdominal thrusts. Their efforts proved successful as the food obstruction was dislodged and Staffeldt was again able to breathe.

Pasadena Fire Paramedics responded to the restaurant and treated Staffeldt. He appeared to be breathing fine on his own and declined any further treatment. Staffeldt commended the quick actions of both the deputies and police officers, stating that they had “saved his life” and commented that he believes the outcome of his ordeal would have been much different had the deputies and officers not been present.

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