Brighten Your Day

From Hero To Family: The Heartwarming Tale Of A Police Officer And The Little Girl He Saved

April 9, 2024

Today's good news story comes from North Haven, Connecticut.

In the quaint town of North Haven, Connecticut, Detective Michael Harton isn't just a member of the police force; he's a beacon of warmth and kindness. Five years ago, Harton found himself in a situation that would forever intertwine his life with that of a precious family.

Credit: Nikki Huckaby

It was a fateful night when Harton's quick thinking and decisive action saved the life of 3-month-old Eimaan "Tooka" Rolle. With nerves of steel, he applied a variation of the Heimlich maneuver for infants, refusing to let despair take hold.

"I kept saying to myself, 'Not on my watch. Not on my watch'," he told Fox News.

Credit: Nikki Huckaby

The encounter was a rollercoaster of emotions for all involved. Tooka's mother, overwhelmed with panic and fear, could only watch as Harton fought to revive her precious child. But Harton's determination prevailed, and Tooka was brought back from the brink, her tiny chest rising with life once more.

Since then, Harton and his wife, Susan, have been a constant presence in Tooka's life, celebrating birthdays, holidays, and every significant milestone along the way.

"Everybody's lives changed for the better that night — especially mine," Harton shared.

Credit: Nikki Huckaby

For Tooka's mother, the relationship with Harton and his family is a beacon of hope in an often divided world.

"We come from two different walks of life," she said. "Two different cultures, two different races. And for us to come together, especially in the way today's world is with community and police, it just brings a whole new light to things."

Watch the uplifting video below.