by Patrice Johnson

At first glance, infant Hannah Paielli looked like a normal baby as she rested in her father’s arms under a shade tree at the Harvest Moon Festival, Sept. 15. But anyone familiar with Hannah’s story would recognize the newborn as a special, and fortunate, little girl.

Thanks to her parents’ quick thinking and the heroic efforts of a Michigan State Trooper, baby Hannah is alive and well today.

Just over seven weeks ago, local homeowners Jessica and Andrew Paielli were making a mad dash for Henry Ford Allegiance Health Hospital in Jackson when their fourth child insisted on entering the world breach and unresponsive in their SUV.

Unable to revive the baby and desperate at seeing her turn purple, Andrew called 911 and pulled into the Michigan State Police barracks in Blackman Township, Jackson. Trooper Ronnie Tucker, just 23 years old and with MSP only eight months, answered the call. He administered lifesaving techniques, and the baby began to breathe.

Now Hannah is alert and thriving. Saturday, she soaked up the sights and sounds in the Kids Area of Veterans’ Park during Stockbridge’s Harvest Moon Festival, and Tucker has become an adopted member of the Paielli family.

“You just missed him.” Jessica smiled and gestured toward the  parking lot. Then she added, “Trooper Ronnie Tucker was nominated last Thursday, the 13^th, for the Heart Saver Hero Award of the American Heart Association for his role in saving Hannah.”

If Tucker receives the award, no doubt Hannah and family will extend him their heart-felt congratulations.