Off-Duty Officer Saves a Life in Plymouth

Plymouth, MI — Royal Oak Police Officer Joseph Francis was off-duty celebrating his anniversary with his wife at a Plymouth restaurant when he noticed a nearby woman choking.

He immediately went into action, putting his Heimlich maneuver training to the test.

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According to a Royal Oak City Hall Facebook post, Officer Francis dislodged the food and the woman regained her breath. 

"She was really happy and so was I," Officer Francis said. "She said she had never choked before and I told her I'd never had to use the Heimlich maneuver before!"

To honor him for his heroic action, the restaurant's manager gave the anniversary couple a complimentary meal.

Comments from grateful residents quickly added up on the Facebook post.

“I have never met a Royal Oak Police Officer who wasn't a wonderful person. Like officer Francis! Cheers to the ROPD!” said Holly Kristina-Laginess.

Royal Oak Police Lt. Dave Clemens told Patch that the Heimlich maneuver is part of basic training for officers, and said anyone interested in knowing basic first aid can learn the technique. Training in first aid is offered by the American Red Cross.

Image credit: City of Royal Oak