LEOMINSTER — Maria Eugenia Miranda Cazaux could not be more thankful for the quick actions of a police officer who saved her young son’s life.
Leominster Police Department Officer Derek Doiron was working at Sky View Middle School one day last month when during the seventh-grade lunch period, 13-year-old Timoteo Alves Javier approached him showing the universal sign of choking — hands clutching his throat, indicating distress and unable to speak or make sounds.
“When Timoteo came running toward me in the cafeteria frantically making the universal sign for choking, I immediately recognized the emergency and knew I had to act quickly,” the 32-year-old school resource officer recalled of the May 18 incident. “My training took over and I began performing abdominal thrusts. After about four thrusts, he was able to breathe again and gave me a thumbs-up to let me know he was okay.”
He went on to say he is grateful that he happened to be in the cafeteria in that moment and that Timoteo “felt comfortable seeking help from a police officer during a very scary situation.”
Leominster Police Chief Ryan Malatos said he is proud of Doiron, who immediately responded to the emergency situation and performed the Heimlich maneuver, successfully dislodging the food stuck in Timoteo’s throat.
“Thankfully, the student recovered quickly and was able to remain at school for the rest of the day,” Malatos said. “We are extremely grateful for Officer Doiron’s swift actions and relieved that the student is okay. We are fortunate to have officers of his caliber serving as school resource officers. He truly exemplifies the compassion, professionalism and dedication that define an outstanding school resource officer.”
Maria remembers feeling “very scared” when her son told her what happened.
“I was very worried, but he quickly calmed me down by saying that a police officer had helped him,” the single mom and city resident said. “I appreciate that Timoteo went right away to the officer who helped him immediately and was very attentive and loving towards him. He told me that he was very kind to him. Luckily and thank God the officer was there to help him.”
Doiron was born and raised in Leominster and after graduating from St. Bernard’s High School in Fitchburg he earned a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and political science from Westfield State University in 2016. Following college, he attended the Methuen Police Academy at Northern Essex Community College in Haverhill, graduating in February of 2018.
He still lives in Leominster with his wife and their two young children and is currently finishing his second year as a school resource officer on the police force and his ninth year as a member of the LPD.
“My time as a school resource officer has been incredibly rewarding,” Doiron shared. “I enjoy building relationships within the school community and serving as a positive connection between young people and law enforcement. Being present in the schools allows me to interact with students in meaningful ways and helps bridge the gap between youth and police officers.”
He disclosed that while he has not spoken to Maria directly, Timoteo was very appreciative following the scary incident.
“I am thankful to be able to share this experience with the community as it highlights the positive impact school resource officers can have and the important role they play in keeping students safe,” Doiron expressed. “This incident is a powerful reminder of the important role school resource officers play in protecting and supporting the safety of our students each day.”
Maria said she hopes to meet Officer Doiron one day and “give him a hug for the help he gave Timoteo during a very difficult time that luckily didn’t escalate.”
“I don’t know the officer, but I would love to … as I greatly appreciate the gesture of service and dedication he showed to my son,” the relieved mom said. “From the bottom of my heart, I am so grateful to have these people helping our children.”
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