Two off-duty police officers were honored Tuesday evening for their heroic actions in preventing a 16-year-old girl from jumping off a bridge near Highway 47.
Police Chief Samuel Lewis presented plaques to Officers Michael Turner and Rachel Hayes during the city council meeting. Officer Hayes was not present at the ceremony.
The incident took place last week after both officers had completed training for their department. They had stopped at a nearby gas station when bystanders alerted them to a crisis unfolding just around the corner.
Officer Turner recounted his efforts to connect with the distressed teen.
“As I approached her, I tried to engage and reassure her. I told her to look at me, that her life matters, and that there are people who care about her—even if we’ve never met before,” Turner said. “I shared with her that I have children and grandchildren, and I didn’t want to see her make that choice. My partner managed to get to the other side and pulled her back just moments before she could jump.”
Chief Lewis said the officers were able to bring the girl to safety. A crisis intervention team was dispatched to provide immediate mental health support and ensure she receives ongoing care.
Turner emphasized that the experience underscored the importance of crisis intervention training, calling it essential for officers who may face similar situations in the future.
