Police officers risk their lives every day to make sure ours remain safe. But they don't always get to meet the people they save face to face. Today that changed.

Joseph Demerski says: "The tool went around my arms, down my leg, cut my leg, cut my artery, and then cut my calf open."

Joseph Demerski describes a day at work last August he'll never forget, his first construction accident in 35 years on the job, and one that almost killed him.

"Went through 22 pints of blood, came within two minutes of bleeding out. 90% of people who suffer that injury aren't as lucky as I was", says Joseph Demerski.

And luck it was. It just so happened Springfield Police officers Eugene Rooke, David Standen, William Witherspoon, Carmelo Toledo, J.B. Stern, and Mike Brock were patrolling close by. Their quick work to stop the bleeding helped save the West Springfield man's life.

Joseph Demerski says: "With the coordinated effort of the officers as well as the ambulance drivers and the doctors at the hospital, I'm here to say thank you."

The thank you's Thursday weren't limited to that group of officers.

Just weeks ago officer Keith Puliot jumped into action on patrol at a movie theater and saved the life of Ilene Oakes of Palmer, who was choking on candy.

Ilene Oakes says: "I couldn't breathe, my son was in a wheelchair, he turned the wheelchair around, threw candy at my friend to get her attention, she went and got help."

Thursday was her first chance to meet the man who saved her life.

Ilene Oakes says: "thank you very much."

Two very scary situations for both citizens saved by police. Oakes is still recovering from some broken ribs sustained during the rescue and Demerski tells us he still has some numbness in his lower leg, but hopes to make a full recovery.