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NYC Couple Demands NYPD Reform After Cop Failed To Help

NEW YORK (CBS 2) -- The Brooklyn parents whose daughter died of an asthma attack when a police officer failed to perform CPR are now mobilizing a movement to require officers to take action, and to be prosecuted if they don't.

The parents, Michael and Carmen Ojeda of Boerum Hill, Brooklyn, led the charge. They're demanding from police not only CPR, but to live by the police slogan of "courtesy, professionalism and respect."

"No other mother can go through what I go through now, every day waking up without my baby," Carmen said.

Her child, 11-year-old Briana Ojeda, suffered a fatal asthma attack on August 27. She died after a police officer failed to give her cardio pulmonary resuscitation, reports CBS 2's John Slattery.

"No only did he refuse, but he said he did not know CPR, and he's still a cop on the police force," Bonita Zelman, the Ojedas' attorney, said.

The police officer, 30-year-old Alfonso Mendez of the 84th Precinct and a five-year veteran, said he didn't know how. He's been suspended with pay, and could face further action.

All police are trained in the technique, with retraining required every two years. The child's parents want that changed to every year, and for officers to face a misdemeanor if they refuse to help in a medical emergency.

"We are going forward with Briana's Law," Zelman said.

The family who believes their daughter was wronged not only wants a change in policy, but they want the city punished. In addition to demanding changes in police policy, the Ojeda family is planning to file a lawsuit against the city.

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