Mayor Cohen proposes choking stations in East Brunswick restaurants after Oct. 6 scare

East Brunswick Mayor Brad Cohen proposed a pilot program on Oct. 30 to install choking stations in local restaurants. The initiative would place suction devices in dining establishments and train staff to respond to emergencies. Cohen presented the idea while the Township Council honored Robert Hughes for his role in saving the mayor's life.

The program stems from a letter Cohen received from a woman in Manalapan. Her 38-year-old son died about two months before the mayor's incident. No one present knew how to assist him, leading to anoxia and death one week later. The mother intends to start a foundation in her son's name and wants East Brunswick to serve as the test site. The plan includes improving dispatcher response times.

Cohen choked on pizza during lunch at an East Brunswick restaurant on Oct. 6. He had recently had a root canal and believed the anesthesia had not fully worn off. The food became lodged in his throat, preventing him from swallowing or coughing it out. He signaled for help from a nearby table.

Robert Hughes, a lifelong resident and U.S. Coast Guard veteran, and his wife Tanya were eating two tables away. Hughes performed the Heimlich maneuver. Cohen said a single push dislodged the food. Hughes has maintained his CPR certification for many years. The council passed a resolution honoring Hughes and his wife for their actions and community partnership.

Cohen initially hesitated to post about the incident on social media. He shared the story after a local dentist noted that mozzarella cheese is a common choking hazard. The post reached the Manalapan woman within a day. Cohen said the effort aims to help others and give the mother a sense of purpose. He asked interested residents to contact him to serve on a committee.

During the Oct. 30 meeting, Councilman Kevin McEvoy read a resolution describing Hughes' actions as an example of courage and preparedness. Council President Dana Zimbicki praised Hughes for his humility. Hughes thanked the first responders who work daily with less recognition. He expressed gratitude for the council's acknowledgment of his service.