A Secaucus police officer is being recognized for talking a man out of jumping off the Harmon Cove bridge yesterday afternoon, Police Chief Dennis Miller announced.
By John Heinis/Hudson County View
Yesterday at approximately 2:48 p.m., a 33-year-old man called 911 and informed a Secaucus Police dispatcher that he was getting ready to jump off the bridge above the railroad tracks, Miller said in a statement.
The bridge is located adjacent to Harmon Cove Towers near Seaview Drive, which is directly above active railroad tracks.
Upon the arrival of Police Officers Kiril Petrov and Robert Schaffer, they observed the man was standing on the ledge of the top bridge on the opposite side of the fence, which he was clinging onto it.
A jump or fall onto the railroad tracks, with relative certainty, would have been catastrophic for the man.
Petrov engaged the man in conversation and calmed him down and convinced him to come down off the bridge and agree to seek medical attention.
He was later transported to Hackensack University Medical Center for evaluation. It later became apparent that the male was distraught because of the recent death of a fiancé.
“This incident is an example of how a police officers are true guardians of the community,” Miller added.
“I am extremely proud of Police Officers Petrov’s actions, which are reinforced by the training provided to our officers. I commend the dispatcher, officers and the responding supervisors who undoubtedly were able to preserve this man’s life.”
Miller also reminded the public that there are suicide hotlines [988] and there are many entities that provide help to those dealing with depression and experiencing suicidal tendencies.
He further stated that if any member of the public is feeling suicidal, please do not hesitate to call 911 immediately.
