‘We care about you.’ NYPD video shows Williamsburg Bridge rescue
The rescue happened Wednesday, Sept. 30, on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. Police say officers from the Emergency Service Unit spent about an hour speaking with the young man.
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Newly released NYPD body camera video shows officers talking with a 19-year-old in crisis on the Williamsburg Bridge before helping him to safety.
The rescue happened Wednesday, Sept. 30, on the Brooklyn side of the bridge. Police say officers from the Emergency Service Unit spent about an hour speaking with the young man.
“Look at us. We care about you this much. We’re down here with you,” an officer tells him in the video.
The footage captures officers trying to connect with him face to face. At one point, an officer offers to sit while harnessed near him.
“I’m going to sit down too. I’m going to sit down with you,” he says.
As the conversation continues, an officer urges the young man to come back up with them and think about the next day.
“I promise you, tomorrow, if you come back up with me, tomorrow you’ll wake up and you’ll be like, ‘Thank you. I’m so happy that I didn’t do this,’” the officer says.
He also shares something about his own life.
“I’ve dealt with people in bad spots. I’ve been in bad spots in my life too,” he says.
Later, an officer says, “Take my hand.”
The video shows officers helping pull the young man back to the roadway. Police say he was brought to safety and taken to a hospital for an evaluation.
In the post accompanying the video, the NYPD said Emergency Service Unit officers receive intense training for these situations. The department also credited their compassion for helping make rescues possible.
If you or someone you know is experiencing emotional distress or a suicidal crisis, call or text 988 to reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
