Police rescue suicidal man on bridge

TYNGSBORO >> Police Chief Richard Howe announced on Saturday that members of the Tyngsboro Police Department rescued a suicidal man on the Tyngsboro Bridge.

Howe said at approximately 7:45 a.m. Saturday, Tyngsboro Police Communication Specialist Bonney Murray received a call from a man who stated that he was on the bridge, was suicidal and needed help.

Sgt. Kenneth Healey, and officers Charles Rubino and Evan Donnelly responded and located the man. They told the man they were there to help him and would provide him with whatever help and support he needed.

According to police, officers spoke with the man until an ambulance arrived. The man agreed to get into the ambulance and was transported to the hospital to receive care.

Following the incident, police said they notified their local mental health collaborative, the Frontline Initiative, and a clinician will be following up with the man.

“This was excellent work by everyone involved and we’re very happy that this gentleman decided to get the help that he needed,” Howe said. “I want to commend Sgt. Healey, Officer Rubino and Officer Donnelly for de-escalating the situation and using care and compassion to show this man that help was available.

“I also want to recognize Communication Specialist Murray who stayed on the line with the man for almost the entire time and worked to de-escalate the situation using her training in emergency medical dispatch, used by dispatchers in these types of high stress situations,” the chief added.

Police encourage anyone experiencing emotional distress or thoughts of suicide to call 988 to speak to a specialist for support.

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