A quick-thinking Ripon police officer that made a split-second decision that may have saved the life of a man that was struck by a bullet back in October was honored this week for his heroism.

Ripon Police Field Training Officer Richard Francis was given the Ripon Police Department’s Life Saving Award for his actions at a house that he was dispatched to on the 700 block of Milgeo Avenue back in October where a shooting was reported to have taken place.

When Francis arrived, he discovered a male that had been struck in the leg by a bullet. According to the Ripon Police Department, Francis immediately applied a tourniquet – which, because the victim’s wound resulted in a partial transection of the femoral artery, ultimately saved his life.

While initial reports of the shooting indicated that the victim was treated for non-life-threatening wounds, the man ended up having emergency surgery and was able to recover from his injuries.

No arrests have been announced in the case. Details about what transpired at the home that resulted in the shooting are murky – with authorities claiming that the victim and the suspect know one another while those close to the victim disputed that on social media.

Francis is the second police officer from Ripon to receive the award in the last four months after Ripon police officer Michael Perry was honored in November for administering CPR to an unresponsive male. After approximately one minute of chest compressions the victim gasped for breath and was transported to an area hospital where they ultimately survived the health scare.

To contact reporter Jason Campbell email jcampbell@mantecabulletin.com or call 209.249.3544.