Officer Ralph Mondesir named Piedmont Eastside’s First Friday Hero for performing lifesaving CPR on child

Snellville, Ga. (December 5, 2025) – Piedmont Eastside Medical Center named Master Police Officer Ralph Mondesir of the Gwinnett County Police Department as the organization’s First Friday Hero for December.

On Aug. 17, 2025, a concerned citizen approached Officer Mondesir while he completed a report from a previous call in his patrol car. The citizen reported that a young child stopped breathing at the intersection of Loganville Highway and Hoke Okelly Mill Road in Loganville.

Officer Mondesir immediately went to the location. Upon arrival, he observed an 18-month-old child, later identified as Julian, lying on his back on the concrete median. Without hesitation, Officer Mondesir picked up Julian, assessed his condition, and determined that he was in distress. Officer Mondesir immediately began checking for airway obstructions and administering CPR. He performed CPR on Julian for approximately seven minutes until Gwinnett County EMS arrived.

EMS personnel transported Julian to the hospital, where he was later alert and conscious. Doctors confirmed that Julian experienced a severe allergic reaction and that Officer Mondesir’s swift response and action were key to the child’s survival.

Piedmont Eastside held a ceremony with Officer Mondesir on Friday, Dec. 5 to honor his lifesaving actions.

Christopher Greenland, M.D., Medical Director of Piedmont Eastside’s Emergency Department, spoke about Officer Mondesir’s bravery and presented him with a certificate.

“As healthcare professionals, we know how important CPR can be,” said Dr. Greenland. “Without it, it only takes a few minutes for brain injury to occur from lack of oxygen. We applaud Officer Mondesir, who was able to apply his training quickly and calmly during a stressful time.”

Piedmont Eastside created the First Friday Hero program to recognize first responders and everyday heroes who have gone above and beyond the call of duty.

“Officer Mondesir embodies the spirit of the First Friday Hero program, and we are excited to honor his extraordinary actions,” said Piedmont Eastside CEO Larry Ebert. “This time of year, we are especially grateful for all our local heroes who make Gwinnett County a safer place.”

If you’d like to nominate a first responder to be a First Friday Hero, please submit a nomination to Katie Arseniadis, Communications Specialist, at katie.arseniadis@piedmont.org. Nominations should include:

• Your name and contact information
• Nominee’s name, employer, and employer’s contact information
• Brief summary of why the nominee should be recognized as a First Friday Hero