Morris Co. Detective Recognized For Heroic Actions In Adversity

MORRISTOWN, NJ – Detective Luis Goncalves was returning from an investigation in Lyndhurst when he spotted a woman sitting on the edge of a high bridge, her feet dangling off the edge. Goncalves, who was off-duty at the time, realized if he did not respond, something tragic may happen.

Goncalves, who works as an investigator for the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office, feared the woman was about to commit suicide. After contacting Lyndhurst Police, Goncalves told authorities he would remain on the scene and provide assistance if needed.

The woman then moved off of the bridge and attempted to walk near the busy highway, but suddenly stopped. Goncalves was able to communicate with the woman in Spanish and detected from her slurred speech that she was incoherent. Lyndhurst police officers retrieved a controlled substance from the woman during a subsequent search, but it was determined Goncalves had played a key role in saving the woman’s life.

Last month, Goncalves was presented with a commendation for his actions in May for what Morris County Prosecutor Fredric Knapp characterized as heroic under “very adverse circumstances.”

“The heroic lifesaving actions of Detective Goncalves while off-duty, undoubtedly prevented a tragedy from occurring,” Knapp said in a news release. “He and all of the Morris County Prosecutor’s Office detectives are unreservedly dedicated to protecting and preserving the safety of our residents.”