WATCH: Cop Braves Lightning to Save Man in Wheelchair

A nearby lightning strike and blinding rain didn’t stop a Fort Myers Police officer from protecting and serving.

Officer Gil Benitez’s dash cam captured the Aug. 14 rescue in action, even showing just how close a lightning strike came to him and the man he was trying to help.

The whole incident unfolded around 8:30 p.m. when Benitez was out on a routine patrol. Michael Arnold called 911 around that time saying he was stuck on Bent Creek Loop in the heavy storm with only an umbrella and a cellphone because his motorized wheelchair stopped working about a block from his home.

The officer’s dash cam clearly shows just how heavy the rain was coming down. It also shows the officer’s reaction to a lightning strike that came dangerously close to hitting him and Arnold as he came in contact with the stranded man.

“It was raining so hard, I couldn’t even see the stop sign” Benitez told NBC News.

Despite the near-hit from lightning, Benitez was able to push Arnold the rest of the way home, helped him dry off and stayed with him until family arrived.

Benitez told NBC he was just doing his job.

Arnold, however, told the station Benitez saved his life.

“Sir, I am very grateful for your help,” Arnold was quoted as saying.

Photo Credit: Screenshot of Gil Benitez’s dash cam video from YouTube.