CHP Officer to be Honored For Heroic Rescue of Distraught Woman on Bridge

San Francisco, CA— Friday June 17, 2016 at 2 p.m. California Highway Patrol San Francisco area Officer J. Maya will be presented with a California Assembly Resolution from Assembly Member David Chiu for his lifesaving efforts. The short award presentation will be held at the State Building on 455 Golden Gate Avenue, San Francisco. It will take place in the Assembly Member’s office on the 14 th floor.

The incident involved occurred on February 9, 2016. At 5:25 p.m. while patrolling on the San Francisco-Oakland Bay Bridge officer Maya responded to a call of a distraught citizen who had climbed over the bridge railing in an attempt to commit suicide.

Officer Maya established communication with the party and was able to open a dialogue with her. After several minutes of talking with the party, officer Maya tied a tow strap around his waist and climbed over the bridge railing to close the distance between the two.

Officer Maya continued to speak with the distraught party as he held her hand and sympathetically listened to her. After approximately twenty minutes engaged in crisis negotiation conversation, the party stood up, hugged officer Maya, and climbed back over the bridge railing to safety.

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

“I am very proud of Officer Maya for his professionalism and compassion. This is another example of a law enforcement officer putting themselves in harm’s way to save lives. Officer Maya lived up to his oath as public protector and displayed bravery, courage and gallantry. These qualities enable a person to remain steadfast in the face of danger or adversity. He is a true hero.”

Announcement, photo courtesy California Highway Patrol