MIAMI BEACH, Fla. — A member of the Miami Beach Police Department has been honored for jumping into action to save a man’s life.

Miami Beach Police Sgt. Alex Bello was recognized for his heroic actions, saving an elderly man who was choking while having lunch on Saturday in Hialeah.

“I’m usually a very shy person, so all this attention is a little overwhelming, but I’m just glad that I was at the right place at the right time,” said Bello. “And a family is now still able to have their loved one here with them.”

Video footage from the incident shows Bello leap into action as the 29-year MBPD veteran, who was off the clock at the time, performed the Heimlich maneuver on the choking victim.

“Well the restaurant, as soon as everybody could see that he was awake and conscious, started clapping,” said Bello. “The wife obviously was ecstatic and so thankful, restaurant staff were so helpful and thankful too, that we were there to help this gentleman out.”

Bello was in Hialeah to work at MBPD’s evidence warehouse.

Miami Beach Police Chief Wayne Jones presented Bello with the department’s Lifesaving Award during a ceremony on Thursday.

“This is what I signed up for, to help people,” said Bello. “I’m so grateful that I was able to help save this gentleman’s life.”

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