NYPD Officer’s Promotion Celebrated by Family He Helped in Medical Emergency

In a heartwarming display of gratitude, Brooklyn couple Sasha and Daniel Cheng surprised NYPD officer Joseph An with flowers during his promotion ceremony to sergeant on Tuesday. The 28-year-old An was among 125 officers receiving promotions, but for the Chengs, his recognition carried special significance. One year earlier, Officer An had helped rush the couple to the hospital during a critical medical emergency that saved both Sasha’s life and that of their unborn child. “It was a breached baby,” Sasha explained, recalling the harrowing experience. “It definitely would have been life-threatening for both the baby and myself had Sgt. An not been there at the time. It was through divine intervention.” Thanks to Officer An’s quick response, their son Royce—now a healthy one-year-old—was safely delivered within minutes of arriving at the hospital.

The Chengs’ story began with what could have been a tragedy when they found themselves trapped in Manhattan traffic while trying to reach New York Presbyterian Hospital. With Sasha in severe pain and their situation growing increasingly desperate, they spotted Officer An’s patrol vehicle and made a split-second decision to ask for help. “I think it was like 30, 40 more minutes before we could get there ourselves,” Sasha recalled. The couple pulled alongside the officer’s vehicle and pleaded for assistance. “Can you please help us get to the hospital safely? I’m in a lot of pain,” Sasha remembered saying. Without hesitation, Officer An made the necessary calls, provided a police escort through congested traffic, and ensured medical staff were prepared for their arrival. The timing proved crucial—their son was born just 20 minutes after they reached the hospital, a window that medical professionals confirmed was vital for both mother and child.

For Sergeant An, the incident represented the essence of his commitment to public service, though he speaks of it with characteristic modesty. “I just wanted to make sure that I was able to get them to the hospital safely and make sure that everything was OK safely and quickly,” he explained at the promotion ceremony, visibly moved by the Chengs’ surprise appearance. “I’m just very grateful to be able to help in that situation.” This humble response exemplifies why An’s promotion to sergeant feels so fitting to those who know him or have benefited from his quick thinking in crisis situations. His ability to remain calm under pressure and prioritize public safety demonstrates the qualities the NYPD seeks in its leadership positions. The Chengs’ decision to attend his promotion ceremony—baby Royce now thriving at one year old—transformed what would have been a routine departmental event into a powerful reminder of how police work impacts individual lives.

The newly minted sergeant views his promotion as an opportunity to positively influence the next generation of officers. “I’ve worked hard, and I’m very grateful to be given the opportunity to become a supervisor and basically inspire the minds of cops that I’m going to be supervising,” he shared during the ceremony. An, who is planning his own future with fiancée Ashley Kim, whom he will marry next year, reflects the continuation of life’s important milestones that he helped preserve for the Cheng family. His perspective on leadership has been shaped by his own experiences: “I had a lot of great mentors, and I want to become a great mentor to the cops that I work with.” This approach to leadership—focusing on mentorship rather than mere authority—suggests An understands that effective policing requires both technical skills and human compassion.

The connection between the Chengs and Sergeant An represents the sometimes overlooked human dimension of police work. In an era when public discourse about policing often focuses on controversial incidents or systemic issues, their story highlights the countless daily interactions where officers make critical differences in citizens’ lives. The relationship formed during those tense moments in Manhattan traffic has evolved into something meaningful for both parties. For the Chengs, Officer An’s intervention represents more than procedural assistance—it was a crucial link in ensuring their family remained whole. For Sergeant An, the Chengs’ gratitude serves as powerful affirmation of his professional purpose. Their presence at his promotion ceremony, complete with flowers and their healthy child, provides a tangible reminder of why his work matters beyond citations and commendations.

This story of mutual appreciation comes at a time when many police departments, including the NYPD, are working to strengthen community relationships and highlight positive interactions between officers and the public. The Chengs’ expression of gratitude—appearing unexpectedly at an official department ceremony—bridges the formal and personal aspects of policing in a way that resonates beyond a single incident. “As far as the Chengs are concerned, he’s off to a good start,” noted observers of the emotional reunion. Their continuing connection demonstrates how momentary interactions between officers and citizens can evolve into meaningful relationships that enrich both parties. As Sergeant An begins his new leadership role, the image of the Cheng family—complete and thriving partly because of his actions—serves as a powerful reminder of the profound impact good policing can have on individual lives, one emergency response at a time.