Cops Save Jumper
One of those incidents that somehow sneaks into the spotlight, giving people a glimpse of a job well done that usually doesn't hit the news:
Chicago police officers this morning were able to talk down a man who threatened to throw himself off an overpass into traffic on the Dan Ryan Expressway.
The 31-year-old man, who was despondent over a recent breakup with a girlfriend, scaled a fence on the overpass and threatened to jump, prompting authorities to temporarily shut down traffic in both directions on the expressway.
The officers, assigned to the Central police district, used special crisis intervention training to talk the man down from the overpass located just above the Circle Interchange in the 700 block of West Harrison Street at about 2 a.m., police said.
Nice job officers.
Labels: good news
posted by SCC at 12:04 AM
20 Comments:
The crisis intervention training really does save lives when it's used. The gentleman teaching it (retired LT. Murphy?) has a true passion for it, which shows.
Many years ago we had a jumper. If you've had a few of them, you know when the guy really wants to go, and this guy was going to go.
As we talked to him and he told us his reason for being there, I dove onto the balcony and grabbed his leather belt through the bars of the fire escape. It was heavy belt and he wasn't going anywhere now. Assisting officers incapacitated him (yeah..it had to be done) and pulled him in.
Old timer comes up to me and says that is the stupidest thing he ever saw. I just pointed to the brand new box Chevy my partner parked under the balcony. He corrected himself and said THAT was the stupidest thing he ever saw. Live and learn.
I would probably have been yelling "jump". If they want to off themselves, let them. mostly it is good riddance But, I know you guys have to do the "right" thing in these cases.
Not a cop.
Did the same thing some years back, Michigan ave bridge and the river,dead of winter,freezing cold,wind howling,approx 0200 hrs.It took me and my partner about 30/45 mins to gain this guys trust as he was over the guard rail hanging on with one hand on the rail.My partner distracted him for a moment and I was able to grab him and pull him over the rail.Took him to the hosp for evaluation,he too had problems eith an ex-GF.Before we left and things calmed down,he thanked us profusely for not letting him go through with his quest to end it all.That really put a smile on our faces as we both felt that gee, we made a difference to one mans poor soul.I've wonderd from time to time how this guys life turned out after all of this.
Just yet another example of Chicago's Finest merely doing their job. It doesn't sell newspapers, but it's what we do...that Thin Blue Line.
Nice job all and SCC for the post.
Most lives saved by Police are just like this its very common and not reported by the media unless an Attorney is making money.
I always use reverse psychology for Golden Gate Bridge jumpers.
"Go ahead, you big pussy. You don't have the balls to jump."
It usually works.
copper did same thing off danryan last year in englewood.talked ole suicidal dude off overpass!traffic backed up for miles!
Central Police district? Whats that?
Special Crisis intervention what?! Must have walked in late to roll call that day
Sorry, off topic.
In case you didn't see this.
(AP) — An arbitrator has ordered Gov. Pat Quinn to cancel his plan to lay off state employees and close several prisons and mental facilities.
Arbitrator Edwin Benn ruled Monday that Quinn's plan would violate his agreement with a major union. The Democratic governor signed a deal last year that promised no layoffs or closures if the American Federation of State, County and Municipal Employees agreed to various cost-cutting measures.
Quinn says that lawmakers haven't given him enough money to run state government and he is now forced to make cuts.
But the arbitrator says that doesn't make any difference. Benn says the state's agreement isn't canceled because it now claims financial problems.
Quinn is likely to appeal. He is already fighting a similar ruling over canceling union raises.
http://www.chicagobusiness.com/article/20111003/NEWS02/111009994/quinn-cant-cut-state-jobs-close-prisons-arbitrator
How many times have you walked a lost kid back to his house? Caught the dog that got off the leash? Grabbed the arm of the cellphone-preoccupied pedestrian about to step in front of a car? Stopped to really talk to someone in a coffee shop? Directed a lost tourist out of a terrible area?
We make things better for people a thousand times a day, but no one blasts THAT across the front page. I hope this guy realizes the gift he got because the police gave him back the rest of his life.
OFF TOPIC OFF TOPIC
IT might be good news to some, probably any P O's who had the misfortune to know Victor Brown...he was founded guilty and got 18 months in federal pen....good riddance...We are a better department without him.
Congrats to all the officers involved. Thankfully this story made the news. It is good to see our Department in a positive light. Police officers go above and beyond every day, but it is only the bad things that are ever newsworthy. Glad to see the positive acts done on this job finally making the news. Again great job to all involved.
Anonymous said...
Central Police district? Whats that?
10/05/2011 10:56:00 AM
001 District, Central.
If the person wants to go just let him go.
Why don't hospitals just put these guys down like old unwanted pets? Saving these guys is just a burden on what's left in the city or states budbet.
Why don't hospitals just put these guys down like old unwanted pets? Saving these guys is just a burden on what's left in the city or states budbet.
10/05/2011 11:30:00 PM
Jeez, the guy is despondent over a break-up. Haven't you ever had a bad period in your life? No empathy, whatsoever? I hope to hell you're not the police.
Reminds me of that scene from choir boys.
It is nice to know the cops stopped someone from throwing this life away needlessly.
That is a good deed and them some; very caring and human.
Nice work officers.
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