Cops, firemen, EMT save woman from killing herself
TRENTON » Cops, firemen and an emergency medical technician saved a woman who tried to jump off a bridge into the Delaware River Saturday.
“There’s two things I love about this job: being part of saving a life and taking guns and violent offenders off the street, which in turn saves lives,” TPD Detective Sgt. Anthony Manzo said after the rescue.
Officials received a call about a despondent woman threatening to jump off the Lower Trenton Bridge (more commonly known as the “Trenton Makes Bridge”) around 5 p.m. When rescuers arrived, they found the woman on the outside railing of the bridge.
Officials say the woman would’ve plunged to her death had she let go of the railing. However, quick-thinking Manzo calmly spoke to the woman and assured her she would receive help.
“She kept saying she wanted help and that’s what we’re here for,” Manzo said.
At some point in the conversation, officials say, the woman actually let go of the railing in an attempt to fall off the bridge. But Manzo grabbed the woman and pinned her against the railing so she wouldn’t fall.
Then, Officer Kozell Hodges, firemen Ryan Aquilino and Dan Tote and EMT Brian Haluska reached over the rail, grabbed her by the pants and pulled the woman to safety.
The woman was then taken to a crisis center for evaluation and treatment.
This is the second time in six months that Manzo has helped save someone from suicide.
“I thank everyone who helped save this woman,” Manzo said.
For 24-hour depression support and suicide prevention, contact the National Suicide Helpline at 1-800-273-8255. Or call the NJ Hopeline (njhopeline.com) at 1-855654-6735 or 1-855-NJ-Hopeline.