Fort Worth child makes miraculous recovery thanks to local police after near drowning incident

A Fort Worth family is expressing profound gratitude after their toddler, Rowdy, narrowly escaped a tragic drowning incident earlier this month. They credit a collaborative effort between family members and first responders for saving his life.

On May 1, the Fort Worth Police Department’s west division responded to a distress call regarding Rowdy, a two-year-old boy who was found unconscious in the backyard pool. The call was made by the Westbrook family’s 9-year-old daughter.

Dispatcher Olivia Hernandez recalls the urgency of the situation upon receiving the call, knowing it involved a young child. Lindsey and Bret Westbrook’s babysitter had initiated CPR on Rowdy until help arrived.

Officer Tommy Davachi and Sergeant Jeffery Brady were quick to act upon arrival. Davachi took charge of chest compressions while Sergeant Brady assisted with mouth-to-mouth resuscitation. They worked in tandem with Lindsey until the Fort Worth Fire Department and MedStar arrived.

Rowdy was swiftly transported to Cook Children’s Hospital, where doctors initially gave a grim prognosis. However, his condition gradually improved, defying the odds. After a week in the ICU, Rowdy was discharged and reunited with his family.

The Westbrook family attributes Rowdy’s miraculous recovery to the power of prayer, the support of their community, and the swift actions of the first responders. To commemorate this remarkable outcome, Officer Davachi and the entire response team paid a visit to Rowdy and his family, bringing teddy bears for the children and offering tours of their police cars.

For Sergeant Brady, witnessing Rowdy’s recovery was an immensely gratifying experience, providing closure and healing for everyone involved.