It was an incredibly scary Wednesday evening in New York City during the busy rush hour, but some brave police officers showed what true care for the community looks like.
A woman was going through a really tough time and climbed all the way up the massive steel cables of the Brooklyn Bridge at around 7pm. She was standing way up high above the East River, completely terrified, with her feet dangling over the edge. All the eastbound traffic had to stop for hours because she was in so much danger.
That is when the NYPD Emergency Service Unit rushed to the scene to help. Instead of using force or acting tough, one officer used his caring words.
In the dramatic bodycam video, you can hear an officer making an emotional plea to save her life. He wanted her to know that she was not alone.
“I wanna help you, that’s why I’m up here right now,” the officer begged. “I genuinely care, I do. It’s a permanent solution to a temporary problem, it really is… The strongest thing you can do right now is accept help, I promise you.”
The officers stayed with her for a long time, listening to her and waiting for the perfect moment to keep her safe. Suddenly, while she was holding onto a support cable with one arm, a brave officer moved in close. He wrapped his arms tightly around her and pulled her away from the scary edge.
As he held her safe, the officer kept whispering sweet words of comfort to make sure she felt secure. “Don’t do it, please… I got you,” the officer said gently. “You’re okay, I promise. Everything’s gonna be OK. You’re not in trouble.”
Even the big boss of the police, NYPD Commissioner Jessica Tisch, praised the officers online, saying their courage and compassion would take your breath away.
<blockquote>”High above the East River, NYPD ESU officers climbed onto the Brooklyn Bridge to reach a woman in crisis who was threatening to jump,” she continued. “For nearly an hour, they stayed with her, spoke with her, and waited for the moment they could safely pull her back from the edge. The care, courage, and compassion these officers showed was just extraordinary. May God bless them.”</blockquote>
Remember, if you or anyone you know is ever feeling down, you can always call or text the special help line at 988. We have to stay strong together!