CHP Officer Given Meritorious Achievement Award

Announcement, photo submitted by California Highway Patrol (CHP) San Francisco Area:

On June 10, 2015, California Highway Patrol San Francisco Area Officer Ricardo Jimenez was presented the California Highway patrol Meritorious Achievement Award by Golden Gate Division Chief Paul Fontana.

On September 24, 2014, Officer Jimenez was dispatched to a call of a traffic collision occurring on the western span of the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge. Upon his arrival at the scene Officer Jimenez observed a male subject standing on the north edge of the Bay Bridge on the other side of the steel bridge railing on a four inch wide metal rail. Officer Jimenez immediately began a dialogue with the male subject. It quickly became apparent the male party was under the influence of a controlled substance and was possibly hallucinating.

During the conversation the male subject would intermittently close and open his eyes while throwing his head back in a motion signaling he was going to fall off the railing.

Realizing there was no time for the Fire Department to deploy its specialized gear for a rescue, Officer Jimenez asked another CHP Officer to grab the back of his belt. Firefighters on scene also recognized the urgency of the situation and looped a rope around Officer Jimenez’s mid torso. Within moments of this happening the male party lost his footing and began to fall backwards. As he attempted to regain his balance he leaned slightly forward. Officer Jimenez seized this opportunity and lunged forward and grabbed the male party in a tight “bear hug.”

The male subject began to violently twist his body and flailed his arms in an attempt to break free. He also released all of his body weight by stepping off the metal railing. To further complicate matters, the male subject began to throw closed fist punches at Officer Jimenez’s head. After more than 30 seconds

Officer Jimenez with the help of other CHP Officers and firefighters was successful in pulling the male subject back over the bridge rail. When he was pulled back over the railing the male subject landed on top of Officer Jimenez and continued to struggle and fight before he was subdued and taken into custody. Officer Jimenez sustained abrasions and swelling to his face.

San Francisco Area Commander, Captain Christopher Sherry issued the following statement:

“I am very proud of Officer Ricardo Jimenez. His bravery and willingness to risk his life for another human being is commendable. Officer Jimenez lived up to his sworn oath as a public protector that afternoon. The danger was very real, yet Officer Jimenez selflessly jumped into action and in doing so placed himself in harm’s way to save a life. He is a true hero.”