(J. Scott Applewhite/AP Photo)

WASHINGTON, D.C. - A U.S. Capitol Police officer is being hailed as a hero today after he helped save a man who was suffering an apparent heart attack on Wednesday.

At around 5:30 p.m. yesterday, an unidentified man was using the Constitution Avenue entrance of the Hart Senate Office Building and began having a heart attack, according to USCP Public Information Officer Lt. Kimberly Schneider.

"He became unconscious and unresponsive," Schneider disclosed in an email. "The officers on the scene performed CPR, used the AED defibrillator, and by the time DC Fire showed up to transport him to an area hospital, the man was beginning to come around again. They saved a life."

The man's identity was not released, but Schneider said he is a private citizen and not a congressional employee. His condition today is unknown.

Almost a dozen officers assisted in the response. Schneider says the officer who first jumped into action to perform life-saving measures was Nicholas Simons of Fairfax, Virginia, who is currently assigned to the Senate Division, Section 3. He has been with the U.S. Capitol Police since 2011.

"I am extremely proud of our officers who responded swiftly to render aid during this medical emergency," USCP Chief Kim Dine said. "This was a true team effort, and Officer Nicholas Simons is commended for his quick and heroic actions in saving another man's life."