Four Los Angeles Police officers saved the life of famed New York rapper Kurtis Blow (a.k.a. Kurtis Walker) last Saturday night near the Topanga Mall in Canoga Park.
“I died and these officers saved my life,” said Walker, a 1980’s rap pioneer, in his hospital bed. “The police saved my life, a black man. In this day and age, people need to hear that!”
According to a LAPD press release, the incident started when officers Peter Parra and Felix Rodriguez first arrived on the scene to respond to a 9-1-1 call described as a robbery. Instead they found out there was no crime in progress but an argument between a 57-year-old man, Walker, and his son in his 20s.
Officers Chris Vege and Calvin Hill, Jr. later showed up and Walker collapsed in front of them.
“We didn’t think about it. We just acted. I swept his airway for obstructions, and Officer Hill started chest compressions,” Officer Vege said.
After several minutes Walker gasped for air and the officers ceased chest compressions and rolled him over on his side.
“At that point, Walker stopped breathing again,” Officer Hill said. “So we rolled him back and I started compressions again, until paramedics arrived. I know the paramedics came quickly, but it seemed like a really long time when you’re pressing a man’s, hoping he won’t die.”
According to witnesses, Officer Hill continued with compressions for over five minutes.
Walker appeared grateful for the LAPD’s fast reaction to his ordeal and wants to meet the officers who saved his life when he is discharged from the hospital.
“The police are angels, and they are here to help us,” Walker said Thursday night to LAPD Sgt. Stephan Bell. “If they got there any later, I would have died. I want to thank the officers from the bottom of my heart, no pun intended.”