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Police Officer Saves Man Attempting To Jump Off Bridge

Police Officer Saves Man Attempting To Jump Off Bridge

Without their quick-thinking, the man would have been badly injured or worse...

Tom Wood

Tom Wood

Incredible footage has emerged that shows two police officers successfully catching the leg of a man who was attempting to jump over the side of a bridge.

The video was captured on the bodycam of one of the officers, and now the two policemen who made the dramatic grab for the man as he tumbled over the railings towards certain injury and potentially death have been awarded for their actions.

The incident took place in the US state of Tennessee on April 8, but the video has only recently emerged as the force paid tribute to the quick thinking of Officer Rehg and his partner on the day, Lieutenant Chris McCarter.

The two officers from Knox County Sheriff's Office eventually managed to get the man back onto the right side of the bridge without any harm caused.

The unidentified man had been talking to the pair before attempting to jump.

Knoxville Police Department

In a Facebook post praising the officers, Knox County Sheriff's Office wrote: "Officer Rehg along with KPD Lt. Chris McCarter grabbed and held onto the young man just seconds before he went over the bridge. Because of their vigilance and quick actions the young man is alive today."

Seriously, the guy was really close to going over the edge. They only just managed to get a hold on his leg, and it doesn't bear thinking about what the video would be like had the heroic officers not intervened.

After wrestling the man back over the railings and securing him on the floor, the man was taken away to receive help.

The post continued: "Both Lt. McCarter and Officer Rehg are true local heroes, not just because of this one incident but because they continue to risk their lives daily for the safety of others."

That seems fair enough, in this case.

Last month, the Knoxville Police Department recognised the actions of the two officers formally, awarding them the Life Saving Award.

Knoxville Police Department

Underneath the post, admiring people shared their thoughts about the two policemen and their rapid and decisive action.

One person wrote: "My heart almost stopped. Such quick action by this Officer saved this young man's life. The Officer very well could have been pulled over himself. You are a hero."

Another admirer said: "Courageous officer who acted with quickly saving a victim and a family from sorrow and grief. Exemplary action, thank you for your service."

Featured Image Credit: Knoxville Police Department

Topics: US News, Weird