The Brief
- A Norcross police officer earned a prestigious national honor for saving a 3-year-old child in cardiac arrest.
- Officer Gabriel Veras Jr. received a 2026 TOP COPS Honorable Mention from the National Association of Police Organizations.
- Georgia Governor Brian Kemp also recognized the law enforcement officer for his swift, lifesaving chest compressions.
NORCROSS, Ga. – A Norcross police officer has earned national recognition after his quick actions saved a 3-year-old child in cardiac arrest.
National Law Enforcement Award
What we know:
The National Association of Police Organizations named Officer Gabriel Veras Jr. as a 2026 TOP COPS Honorable Mention recipient representing Georgia. The local department announced the prestigious honor, celebrating the officer’s preparation and decisive actions during a high-stakes medical emergency.
The incident unfolded on April 7, 2025, when Veras rushed to help a young child who had stopped breathing. Arriving before paramedics, he immediately started chest compressions and rescue breaths until the child’s pulse returned. Gov. Brian Kemp also recognized Veras for the extraordinary achievement, which resulted in the child making a full recovery.
Details on rescue
What we don’t know:…