Text and Photo by Steve Silverman
Firefighter Chris Cunningham, pictured right center, was recently presented with the Centerport Fire Department "Lifesaving Award" at the annual installation of officers.
Cunningham was recognized for his actions on December 2, while taking his son to a movie and birthday party for one of his friends. While in the restaurant, the kids were eating in a back room when the mother of the birthday boy ran over to the waiting fathers holding her 6-year-old daughter and screaming that she was choking. Without hesitation, Cunningham ran over to help and positioned himself behind the child and performed the Heimlich Manuever.
On the third try, a piece of Calamari popped out of the child's mouth and her daughter was breathing again. The girl's mother was quoted as saying "his natural instinct took over and his incredible quick response was amazing... and he was very humble about it."
Cunningham has been a dedicated Centerport volunteer firefighter since 1993.
With him in the photo are fom left, First Assistant Chief Robert Ciafardoni, Chief James Varese, Chris Cunningham and Second Assistant Chief Andrew Stevenson.