FAIRMONT, W.Va. — Fairmont police officers are credited for saving a suicidal man’s life Monday.
A motorist on The Colonel George S. “Spanky” Roberts, USAF Memorial Bridge called 911 to report a man standing on the bridge railing who appeared to be contemplating jumping to Kirk Way below.
It took three officers, after negotiations did not persuade the 22 year old off the rail, to wrestle the man to safety.
“All officers on scene deserve the recognition of the great teamwork in their response to this incident. Lt. Doug Yost and Patrolman Brian Lemley’s decisive performance by taking immediate action saved a man’s life today. Their heroic conduct exemplifies the meaning of selfless service and the best of what it means “to protect and serve,” said Fairmont Police Chief Steve Shine. “This action saved the man’s life and was undertaken at personal risk to the officers.”
Patrolmen Jared Martin and Lemley were first on the scene at around 2:30 p.m.
The man had allegedly been involved in a domestic disturbance earlier Monday and officers were not able to immediately locate him.
Following the rescue, the unnamed man was taken to the hospital for evaluation where he later escaped.
Police took the man back into custody and returned him to the hospital after a foot chase near Locust Avenue and Oakwood Road.