Marion Police Officer Mark “Andy” Bonneau was at the right place at the right time on August 6th, 2020. In the early morning, there was a 9−1−1 call of an infant child choking. Ofc. Bonneau, joined by Ofc. Joe Biddle, responded to the scene and entered the bedroom of a home in the 2500 block of South Waite Street. The mother was there holding the baby, and reported that her child’s breathing was very labored. Ofc. Bonneau assessed the baby, and determined he had a strong pulse, however was not breathing. He reported that the breathing seemed lethargic with irregular hiccups and some foaming at the mouth. Ofc. Bonneau gave the infant a small amount of time to start breathing, but it did not appear his condition was improving. Bonneau then administered four ‘back blows,’ a life-saving technique for a choking baby, at which point the infant immediately began coughing and crying, indicating that his airway was cleared. The baby continued to cry and appeared to become more animated in behavior. Ofc. Bonneau subsequently held him until the ambulance arrived, then handed him over to paramedics.
When asked to reflect on his life-saving actions from the event, Ofc. Bonneau stated he was thankful to have some experience to know what to do. “Fortunately, I was an EMT prior to law enforcement, and I’m also a CPR Instructor. Training kicks in, and we do what we need to do when the time comes. I’m just glad I was able to get there as fast as I did, and hopefully helped them out. It’s what any of us would do.”
Ofc. Bonneau has been with the Marion Police Department since June of 2016.
Marion Police Chief Angela Haley said since his career began with MPD, he has made a difference in the lives of many. “Ofc. Bonneau has helped countless people during some of their worst moments. This is just one example. He takes his job seriously, but approaches it with kindness and humor.”