The News Herald (Willoughby, OH)
Mentor officer lauded for saving suicidal woman
Patrolman bestowed Lake County chiefs association Lifesaving Award
The Lake County Chiefs of Police Association recently recognized a Mentor officer for his work to save the life of a suicidal woman in another community.
On Feb. 6, Patrolman Kevin Hatch was presented a Lifesaving Award after being nominated based on his actions Jan. 8 to track down the woman.
Hatch responded to Target to assist another female who had received text messages from a stranger — apparently sent to the wrong number — and a video of a woman in her 20s with a strap around her neck talking about suicide.
Hatch called the number and spoke to the woman, who was reluctant to give any identifying information. She told him that she wanted to die and was standing on the edge of a chair with a strap around her neck.
Hatch could hear her gasping for breath and the call disconnected, accord- ing to information from Mentor Police Chief Kevin Knight.
Hatch attempted multiple times to re-contact the woman but was unable.
He had the phone pinged and also had the number checked in several databases. A name and address were located in Bay Village, and the police department there was contacted. They were able to find the woman partially in a closet with a strap around her neck barely conscious. A stool was laying on its side next to her.
The Bay Village Fire Department transported her to the hospital, where she recovered.
“This is but another example of the great and dedicated job the men and women of the Mentor Police Department do on a daily basis,” Knight said.
Hatch said he was just doing his job.
“We normally don’t see people when they’re at their best,” he said. “When you’re actually able to do something to help somebody, it’s the best feeling in the world.”