Heroic Police Officer Calmly Helps Man Climb Down from Edge of Bridge by Promising Hug
Law enforcement often gets a bad rap, and as a result, some of the best officers are often overlooked and taken for granted, their service to their communities unseen.
Thankfully, we do have the opportunity to witness some rare and precious moments captured by dash or body cams.
Take, for instance, an encounter that occurred earlier this year between an Arizona police officer and a suicidal man.
Chandler Police Department Officer Aaron Little was on duty the night of March 28, 2019. When he arrived on scene at a freeway bridge where a man was ready to jump, Little didn’t panic.
His body cam took footage as his encounter with the 26-year-old man unfolded. What he says to the man who climbed over the railing made all the difference.
“Just come up here buddy…” Officer Little can be heard asking the man in a video shared to Facebook. “I’ll hug you, man … come up here, I just want to talk to you.”
He goes on to tell the unnamed man his own name and even says he can call him by his nickname — “Ron.” When the man still doesn’t come to safety, Officer Little continues to show compassion and offer to hug him.
The man can be heard saying, “I don’t know why.” His reasons for wanting to jump off the bridge aren’t made clear, though it is clear Officer Little made an impact.
When the man climbs back over the fence at last he begins to sob and immediately walks over to Officer Little and goes in for that promised hug.
“While this incident is extraordinary, the compassion Officer Little showed is a common occurrence with the men & women of the Chandler Police Department,” the department wrote.
Arizona Congressman Andy Biggs praised the officer’s kindness.
“Chandler Police Department Officer Aaron Little represents the very best of our East Valley law enforcement,” Congressman Biggs wrote on Facebook.
He went on to say, “I’m grateful for all of our law enforcement officers and the sacrifices they make to keep our communities safe.”
Well done, Officer Little! You remained calm under pressure and stand as a true example of the heart it takes to serve and protect.
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