CT State Trooper Risks Life To Save Distraught Man About To Jump Off Bridge

NEW HAVEN, CT — And now that is what we call a true hero. A Connecticut State Trooper risked his own life to save another person Friday evening in a daring rescue on the Q-Bridge. In a series of events that closely resemble a plot to a Hollywood movie, a State Trooper put his life on the line to save someone who was threatening to jump off the bridge Friday evening.

This was no movie though, it was real life drama unfolding during rush hour traffic on a Friday night. The hero, who has not been named, is also about to become a father for the first time any day now.

It all began 5:25 p.m. Friday as troopers from Troop G - Bridgeport responded to Interstate 95 Southbound on the Q-Bridge in New Haven for a male threatening to jump off the bridge. Troopers arrived and found the male on the opposite side of a safety wall/barrier, State Police said. Troopers tried to talk the male to safety, however the male refused and moved closer to the edge in an attempt to jump, State Police said.

A trooper ran towards the male, jumped over the wall and grabbed the male preventing him from jumping off the bridge, State Police said. The trooper held the male against the bridge, with no barrier between him and the edge of the bridge, so other troopers, New Haven police officers and New Haven firefighters could pull the male over the wall to safety, State Police said.

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"Connecticut State Police Trooper 1 helicopter and the United States Coast Guard were also contacted to assist, thankfully their services were not needed," State Police said in a statement.

The male was transported to the hospital for evaluation and further assistance. The trooper is a first time father-to-be any day now, State Police said.

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State Police shared in an effort to help raise awareness that the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline, 1-800-273-TALK (8255), is the United States based suicide prevention network of 161 crisis centers, that provides a 24/7, toll-free hotline available to anyone in suicidal crisis or emotional distress.

After dialing 1-800-273-TALK (8255), the caller is routed to their nearest crisis center to receive immediate counseling and local mental health referrals, State Police said. The Lifeline supports people who call for themselves or someone they care about.

You can also call 211 (services information) or 911 for yourself or someone you know. 2-1-1 Connecticut, State Police added.

Image via CT State Police