Falkville Police Chris Free was in the right place at the right time to help save another person’s life July 20.

While flying to Houston, Texas, Free, an emergency medical technician, responded to a call for anyone with medical training to help a female passenger who was hemorrhaging from a recent surgery.

“Another male passenger stood up with me,” Free said. “I thought at first he could be a medical doctor until he told me he thought I was better prepared to take over than he and sat back down.”

Free and another male passenger proceeded to assist Jessalyn Hooper of New Market.

“We were about an hour out of Houston where professional medical assistance was available,” Free recalled. “We used every clean cloth we could find in the plane to help control the hemorrhaging.”

In recognition of his meritorious achievement in the performance of life-saving action, Free was presented an engraved plaque by Mayor Bob Ramey at a regular council meeting Tuesday night.

Hooper and her husband, Kenneth, were present to witness the presentation.

“If not for those two gentlemen I might not be here tonight,” said Mrs. Hooper. “I give them credit for saving my life. They not only met my need on the plane but checked on me every day I was in a Houston hospital, and even sent me flowers.”

“We’re pleased to honor Chief Free,” said Ramey. “He is a dedicated public servant, a hard worker and a tremendous asset to our community.”