South Bend Police Officer Dan Napolitan is being credited with saving a coworker’s life last month.

On the evening of May 6, while working the front desk due to a foot injury, he noticed a coworker coughing forcefully.

She quickly stood up and walked toward him, and he immediately realized she was choking. Napolitan delivered several back blows to dislodge the food but she continued to struggle to breathe. He then performed the Heimlich maneuver and additional back blows, which cleared her airway.

The coworker said she isn’t sure what would have happened if he hadn’t been nearby.

On Monday, June 3, Officer Napolitan was honored with a South Bend Police Department Lifesaving Award for his actions.