Risky rescue saves a jumper
It was just another day at the office for these NYPD cops who bring new meaning to the words “Reaching Out.” On Monday, November 11, 2013, at approximately 10:09 a.m. NYPD officers responded to a 911 call of a suicidal male along the Verrazano Bridge. The man, who had driven a Dodge Caravan Brooklyn bound along the upper level of the bridge, left the vehicle with the hazards lights on and climbed out onto the outer cables.
Detective Jeffrey Loughery, Detective Paul Fazio and Police Officer Robert Reed of Emergency Service Squad 5 arrived and suited up in their safety harnesses.
Officer Reed began speaking to the individual, who was upset that he could not find a job and provide for his family. Officer Reed then moved out to him until the men were approximately five feet apart. The individual was standing on a ledge with both hands gripped around the cables and turned his body while wrapping his other arm around the cables.
Detectives Loughery and Fazio, believing the man was preparing to jump, quickly moved in and secured him with a safety harness and a rescue line. He was then brought to the safety of the roadbed and removed by EMS to Staten Island University North Hospital.
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