Edgewood, Texas, Independent School District Police Officer Garrett Hardwick is being praised for his heroic efforts in saving the life of an elderly man choking at McDonald’s.

Hardwick, who has only been working at the district for the past four months, was off campus during his lunch break when he saved the elderly man.

The officer had just finished his lunch when he was told someone in the restaurant needed help. Hardwick — a certified EMT and firefighter in addition to being a police officer — immediately rushed to the aid of the choking man, who was disabled and in a wheelchair.

Hardwick’s heroic actions were caught on surveillance video, where he can be seen unfastening the man’s seat belt and performing the Heimlich maneuver. The food was dislodged after a few thrusts.

Hardwick was happy with the outcome.

“This situation does have a different feel because I didn’t have to send someone to the hospital,” he said. “Instead, I received a thank you. Had I left 30 seconds earlier, this would be a very different story.”

Hardwick said that he hopes to continue to be a positive example to the community.

“One of my goals as a Police Officer is to be the example on why the population sees Police Officers in a positive light and bring back the love and respect for Police Officers,” he said in a Facebook post released by the department.

ISD officials also recognized Hardwick in a press release.

“We’d like to thank Officer Hardwick for acting quickly and using his training to save this man’s life and we’re thankful for him being at the right place at the right time. Thank you! … The work of the officers is to not only serve, support and protect students of our district but our community as well.”