A heartwarming reunion has occurred between a young Townsville boy and the Queensland Police Service (QPS) officers who helped save his life five years ago.
In September 2020, then 10-year-old Tyler Dorta was playing on his backyard playground equipment when he fell and suffered a life-threatening injury.
Family members immediately began CPR and called Triple Zero (000). Sergeant Ash Cunningham and Senior Constable Chantell Solomona were the first to arrive on scene and take over CPR from Tyler's family until paramedics arrived, helping to save the young boy's life.
Now, the pair of officers have been reunited with Tyler five years after the incident, meeting with him in Townsville at the QPS Northern District Office.
Acting Inspector Darren Randall, who organised the reunion, praised the efforts of the responding officers on the day of Tyler's incident.
"When Sergeant Cunningham and Senior Constable Solomona arrived on scene, they were confronted with a stressed family in a critical situation, but their quick responses saw them take control of the situation and take over from the family's life-saving CPR efforts until paramedics arrived," Acting Inspector Randall said.
"Organising a reunion for our officers to see the young man they helped save five years ago is a truly extraordinary opportunity to show the impact their work has on our community in a positive way."
Reflecting on the incident Sergeant Cunningham said the experience shaped her approach to the job.
"I was fresh out of the police academy and was getting ready to finish my shift for the day when the call came in," Sergeant Cunningham said.
"We worked as a team that day and achieved the best possible outcome for Tyler and his family, which is why we do this work."
Senior Constable Solomona commented on the incredible impact the reunion had as an ongoing motivator for the job.
"You join this job with an innate want to protect and serve the community," Senior Constable Solomona said.
"Being able to reunite with Tyler, to see a thriving young boy and know that we were a part of him being here today is surreal.
"I recently found the card Tyler made us when he left hospital which said, 'Thank you for saving me, you are my heroes', which I'll keep with me as a memento for the rest of my career."
Tyler's mother Damita Dorta said she would always be grateful for the actions of police.
"Not all stories like ours have a happy ending and we are so grateful to the police officers who came through our gate that day," Ms Dorta said
"My son is here today because of their contribution and our family will always be thankful."
L-R: Senior Constable Solomona, Tyler Dorta and Acting Sergeant Ash Cunningham.
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