Man thanks Santa Maria police officer for saving his life

It was a pretty good time today at the Union Plaza Senior Living Apartment building in Santa Maria – but this was much more than just a Christmas party. It was a chance for a man to thank a police officer for saving his life.

Santa Maria Police Detective Andrew Brice was honored today for pulling a man from the brink of death. That’s how people described the courageous act of Brice when he performed CPR three months ago on 70-year-old Craig Rylant, who collapsed while on a normal walk to the Town Center.

Rylant credits being around to see Christmas this year to Brice.

“I love this guy,” Craig Rylant, who’s life was saved said. “I feel good rapport with him.. I think we’re becoming friends.”

“It’s funny, now we talked a few days later and we hugged.. and that’s not a thing I normally do with people I don’t know, but there’s definitely a connection there and I think that’s going to continue,” Santa Maria Police Detective Andrew Brice said.

The two exchanged phone numbers – they plan on getting together regularly for coffee and dinner.

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