Times Observer photo by Josh Cotton Ty Hillard, center, shakes hands with William Lyon, the man that Hillard and City of Warren Police Officer Shane Russell saved when Lyon went into cardiac arrest while driving in Warren.

City of Warren Police Officer Shane Russell and passerby Ty Hillard performed CPR and saved William Lyon’s life back in December.

Russell and Hillard were recognized by Warren City Council for their efforts on Monday and given the opportunity to shake hands with the man whose life they saved.

The driver of a box truck — Lyon — started creeping through a redlight. He was experiencing cardiac arrest.

Hillard and Russell got Lyon out of the vehicle and performed life-saving CPR.

Mayor David Wortman called it a “very unique opportunity to recognize” Russell and Hillard at the outset of Monday night’s city council meeting.

He presented both Russell, who was on his first shift as a city police officer when the incident occurred, and Hillard with certificates of commendation.

Wortman specifically credited their “quick thinking” and decision to act after assessing the initial situation.

Wortman said this incident shows the value of “looking out for each other” and “taking care of each other.”

Lyon thanked the rest of the officers that responded as well as Warren Fire staff.

“Your paramedics are top notch,” he said.

He was also grateful to STAT MedEvac for getting him to Erie and for his care at St. Vincent Hospital.

Most importantly, he left the council with two words — “I’m here.”