Atlantic City officer credited with saving 83-year-old man's life

ATLANTIC CITY, N.J. (WPVI) -- Benjamin Noisette is grateful to the Atlantic City police officer who helped save his life.

Earlier this year, the 83-year-old returned from an international trip feeling unwell. Unbeknownst to him, he had a collapsed lung.

"The breathing that I had was rough. I called them and said, 'I think I have to go to the hospital,'" Noisette recalled.

His daughter, Sabina, said she immediately raced home.

"I was so scared. We started zipping through streets to get back here, and we came right down that street," she said.

That's when she saw Officer Scott Sendrek on patrol and flagged him down.

Within seconds, Sendrek had to decide whether to wait for medics or escort them to the hospital.

"While I was on scene, his condition got worse," Sendrek said. "I told them to just follow me down to the hospital, put on my emergency lights and sirens."

"The doctor said had we waited, he would have expired," Sabina said.

Noisette was discharged after a week in the hospital. Months later, he is still recovering and seeing a pulmonary specialist.

His family is beyond thankful for Sendrek's quick actions.

"What you did... your service really extended beyond just you helping us that day," Sabina said.