EL PASO, Texas (KTSM) — A New Mexico State Police officer has been nominated for a national award after saving a baby's life back in 2023 in Deming, New Mexico, according to New Mexico State Police (NMSP). State Police say on July 24, 2023, Officer Ismael Perez responded to an emergency call regarding a woman in distress who had given birth on the way to the hospital in Deming. After arriving at the hospital, Perez approached the vehicle and observed the baby unresponsive and still attached to the umbilical cord. Perez began "life-saving measures and administered medical aid until the baby’s cries could be heard," State Police said. Hospital staff arrived and provided further medical attention to the mother and the baby boy. Perez has been nominated for the 2025 Axon Rise Awad, which "celebrates the extraordinary stories behind the badge. This includes acts of compassion and bravery that often go unnoticed but can leave a lasting impact on communities," State Police said. Voting for this award will begin on Monday, Jan. 13, and run through Monday, Jan. 27. Those who are interested in voting can vote for one entry per day. The top 10 finalists with the most votes in each category will then be reviewed by a panel of judges and the winners will be selected in February and celebrated at Axon Week in Phoenix. For more information on voting or to vote, click here: https://awards-axon.us.launchpad6.com/rise-award-2025/entry/185.