Family of Man Saved From Bridge Expresses Thanks

ENFIELD-SUFFIELD, CT — The family of a young man who had considered jumping from the Enfield-Suffield Veterans Bridge Monday has expressed its appreciation to the first responders and citizens who assisted in saving his life. Patch is respecting the family's wish to remain anonymous, but is pleased to share below the kind words written late Tuesday night by the young man's mother.

"In recent years, the police have been shown in a negative light by the media. They are described as being cold and uncaring. I would like to share a different view of law enforcement. While it's true nobody enjoys receiving traffic or parking tickets, please try to remember that this is not their only goal.

Yesterday, I received a police visit that anyone who is a parent dreads. You see, MY SON was the "unidentified, suicidal man on the Suffield Bridge" that Officer Horan saved. We were informed of the situation with our son from a police officer in our town. Having to come to our home to break this news to the young man's parents could not have been easy to do; in fact she did state this was one of the worst parts of her job.

This wonderful officer remained patient with me and allowed me time to regain some composure enough to ask questions. We were given the number to the Suffield Police Department to receive the information on our son's condition. They could not have been more sensitive and helpful. These officers then directed me to the Enfield Police Department, and particularly to Officer Horan. They also were kind enough to provide the name of a gentleman that cared enough to stop to see if my son was okay and to call 911.

I stopped by the police stations in Suffield and Enfield today to drop off a small token of thanks for everyone involved. This token was just a grain of sand compared to the massive gift they gave my family. What stands out in my mind the most though, was the way each officer's face, that started out tough and professional, softened when I told them who I was and why I was there. These people went from being a tough cop to dads and moms, sisters and brothers immediately. They asked how my son was, if he was okay, which hospital he was in, what led up to the terrifying moment yesterday.

I was honestly floored. They don't know my child, have never seen him before but the care and empathy they showed my son (and us as well) was astonishing. At that moment, my son was their son. He was the only thing that mattered during that small amount of time that could have completely devastated our family had anything gone wrong.

Officer Horan, you especially will forever be in our hearts, thoughts, and prayers. I hope you know that our family is thankful for you and your compassionate heart this coming Thanksgiving. We are so thankful for all of you. And to the two Enfield Police sergeants behind the bulletproof glass, thank you for the laughs. You helped a terrified, shook-up mom feel that in some way, things will turn out okay."