Connecticut State Police saved a woman in distress as she hung on to the side of a bridge Monday.
Troopers responded to several 9-1-1 calls concerning a woman on the Baldwin Bridge, which spans about 100 feet over the Connecticut River between Old Saybrook and Old Lyme, the agency stated in an online post. When they arrived, they encountered a woman who had climbed over the metal safety fencing and was sitting on the 5-inch ledge.
Sgt. Matthew Belz began talking with the woman to keep her calm and build a rapport. Sgt. Ashley Harkins then climbed over the fence and balanced on the ledge as she approached the woman.
Once Harkins got behind the woman and wrapped her arms around her while grabbing the fence. Harkins and Belz instructed the woman how to begin climbing up, so that troopers could pull her to safety.
"We applaud the quick, decisive actions of Sgt. Harkins and Sgt. Belz in saving the life of the female," the agency stated. "Thanks to DEEP Colonel Chris Lewis and State Troopers from Troop F who also assisted on scene."
If you or someone you know is contemplating suicide, call 988 for immediate help, 24/7.
