Miami-Dade police

Man Thanks Miami-Dade Police Officers Who Saved His Life at Miami International Airport

A man who suffered a heart attack at Miami International Airport got a chance to say thank you Wednesday to the Miami-Dade Police officers who helped save his life.

"Really saved my life and I owe you my life, I will never forget you," Jozef Alhale said. "It's a very emotional day, I've been waiting to see them, because what they did was above and beyond, it's just unbelievable."

On Oct. 5, Alhale collapsed in the TSA line. Passengers tried to help and within moments, four MDPD officers responded, assessed him, did CPR and used a defibrillator machine to shock Alhale back to life. They kept him stable until paramedics took over.

On Wednesday, the police director awarded the four officers with the Life Saver's Award, and Alhale did the honors of handing out the certificates.

"I'm extremely happy, sir, for you that we were able to be at the right place, right time and give you a second chance at life," Sgt. Bert Perez said.

There's always a heavy police presence at MIA to deter crime and terrorism and sometimes, to step in and save a life.

"These men and women go out everyday, they don't even know if they're going to get back home, because they're trying to save us, keep us safe, and on top of it they're like saving lives, because of their training," Alhale said. "I was basically surrounded by angels that day because I talked to my doctor last week I should have been dead and I'm still here and it's only because of them."

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