Manatee deputy saves choking baby in Bay County

PANAMA CITY, Fla. (FOX 13) - A Manatee County sheriff's deputy is being praised for helping save a choking baby in Bay County Tuesday.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office thanked the deputy for being in the right place at the right time.

The Manatee County Sheriff's Office says Deputy Patti Smith was working in Bay County with a Hurricane Michael response team.

Deputy Smith was walking with her team past the Springfield Community Building when a frantic couple ran toward them.

The woman was holding her almost-lifeless 4-month-old baby.

The Bay County Sheriff's Office said Deputy Smith identified and dislodged a small object that was blocking the baby's airway.

They say the baby was going to be OK.