Several police officers and 911 operators are being credited for saving the life of a suicidal man in Chatham.
The Chatham-Kent Police Service said officers were called to the Lacroix Street bridge on July 1 at around 8 p.m. regarding a man who was standing on the bridge, threatening to jump into the river below. Officers arrived at the scene to find the distressed man who had traversed the bridge’s railing and was hanging over the edge.
Sergeant Fraser Leontowicz and Acting Sergeant Chris Reynolds immediately began talking with the man, which provided a distraction for Constables Cole Brigley and Steve Gagnon to position themselves to conduct a rescue if needed.
During the incident, Emergency Communications Operators (ECO) Brock Bechard, Camryn Dudley, McKenna Ladd and Victoria Labadie gathered and relayed vital information to first responders at the scene.
While police spoke to the man, he became overwhelmed and lost his grip on the bridge railing, causing him to fall. However, the officers were able to grab hold of him and safely take him into their custody.
The distraught man was taken to the local hospital for care.
As a result of their lifesaving actions, the four officers and four ECOs will be presented with a Chief’s Commendation during the next CK Police Services Board meeting on November 12.