Madison Cops Honored For Saving Suicidal Juvenile

MADISON, NJ - Three Madison Police Officers were honored Thursday for risking their lives to save a juvenile threatening to jump off of the Union Hill train bridge in August.

The trio were acknowledged by the the Morris County 200 Club for their "fast-acting and heroic actions" as part of Club's annual awards night.

According to officials, shortly after midnight on Aug. 13 the Madison Police Department was called to assist Chatham Borough Police Department on scene where a juvenile female was threatening to jump off the Union Hill Road train bridge.

Sergeant James Cavezza, Patrolman Christopher Burans and Patrolman Travis Daniel responded to find the girl standing on the ledge of the bridge, approximately 30-40 feet above the train tracks, where high voltage power lines were directly below her, authorities said.

The girl had just contacted a suicide hotline to say she was going to jump off the bridge, police said.

While the Chatham Borough officers were speaking to her, she told them she wanted to end her life and the Madison Police Officers informed NJ Transit about the incident so trains were stopped in both directions.

According to authorities, given the girl's location on the bridge, officers knew that a fall from that height would be fatal.

The Chatham Borough officers had tried for some time to talk her off the bridge, with no success, so it was clear to the Madison Police officers they had to take immediate action, believing her threats were legitimate, police said.

While the Chatham Borough officers continued to engage the girl in conversation and keep her attention, the Madison Police officers approached her from behind, jumped up approximately eight feet and grabbed her by the waist, pulling her to safety, off the bridge, police said.

According to authorities, the officers placed themselves in great danger of falling from the bridge to the high voltage wires below.

The girl received treatment and she was reunited with her family, police said.

The 200 Club of Morris County supports Morris County Police Officers, Fire Fighters, First Aid Squad Members, and Members of the New Jersey State Police serving Morris County who die in the line of duty. When tragedy occurs, grief is shared amongst the family as well as the members of The 200 Club of Morris County.

If you or someone you know needs help, confidential help is available for free, 24/7 by calling 1-800-273-8255.

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