NATCHEZ — When Natchez police officer David Washington arrived at the scene of a recent shooting, he found a man who had been shot in the arm, the bullet striking an artery, and bleeding profusely.

He did “what any one of our officers would have done” and placed a tourniquet on the arm of the victim to control the bleeding, saving the man’s life. The victim was later airlifted to a Jackson hospital for treatment.

The 21-year-old man was shot Jan. 31 while standing at his refrigerator after a man in the apartment above shot through the floor multiple times. The incident occurred at Holiday Apartments, and Michael Haywood, 35, 718-B Lower Woodville Road, was later arrested and charged with aggravated assault in connection with the shooting.

Washington, who has served as a police officer for nine years, was recognized by the City of Natchez Tuesday at the board of aldermen meeting.

Mayor Darryl Grennell and the aldermen presented a framed proclamation expressing the city’s “appreciation and gratitude” for Washington’s “dedicated service” in saving the shooting victim’s life.

Washington was recognized to a standing ovation from those present in the City Council Chambers, and said his actions were in the performance of the duties for which he has been trained.

“What (I) did that night, any one of our officers would have done,” he said. “It is part of our training. I just thank God I was there for that night at that time; let God have all the glory, not me.”

Police Chief Daniel White held up a tourniquet identical to the one Washington used that night, saying it was a life-saving tool for officers that costs only $32.

Grennell also presented Washington with a $100 gift certificate from Rolling River Bistro, whose owners, Grennell said, heard about Washington’s heroics and wanted to offer their appreciation.

Ward 2 Alderman Billie Joe Frazier, who is chair of the city’s police committee, presented Washington with a gift basket of locally made items prepared by Tourism Director Jennifer Ogden Combs in appreciation of Washington’s service.

“(Despite) all the bad things you have heard about the Natchez Police Department, we do have some great officers,” Frazier said.