NYPD officer bursts into tears after talking a suicidal man down from the side of a bridge

Trigger warning: This story contains themes of suicide that some readers may find distressing.

During fragile and sinking moments in life, when one feels they’ve hit rock bottom, they need empathy more than anything else. To know someone has been through a similar plight and emerged out of it or to have someone who can understand the problem is much needed. The New York City Police Department (NYPD) helped save a man’s life, not with their force or strength, but with empathy. In a post shared on X, NYPD News shared the scenario of a man standing at the top of the bridge with the intent to take his own life. Two officers on duty intervened on time but the overwhelming conversation they had with the man left one of them in tears. 

Officers Fayette and Mata stood behind the fence where the man was threatening to take his own life. As they slowly approached the spot, they knew that skill or force wouldn’t help the distraught man. Instead, the officer began to calmly and patiently engage in a conversation with the man. “I’ve been in your shoes, brother. And I promise you, there are solutions. There is a way to get out of this situation,” the officer said. Using his title of an NYPD officer, not for strength but for aid and understanding, the officer promised there were ample resources to help the man. “I promise you, we will do everything in our power to help you,” he added. “I know you’re a good man. I promise you, we will help you out." The officer kept repeating the words of positivity and though it seemed generic, it was all the man needed to hear.

He stressed the fact that the person mattered and that he cared for him. He made the conversation personal and reached out to the man not just as an officer but also as a fellow human. The other officers slowly made their way to the other side of the fence where the man was standing. The other officer also joined in speaking to the man. “You are stronger than this. We’re all here for you, brother. You can do this. Come back. Come back,” he kept saying. Repeating words of love and concern, the officers didn’t stop even for a second. “I love you brother, listen to my words. You got this. Listen to me, I love you, brother,” the officer persistently said. “We’re going to be fighting together, we’re going to give you the services you need,” the officer added.

They went on to point out everything that is there to live for in life. “Life is beautiful. You are beautiful, there is so much to live for. Just listen to my voice brother,” he kept repeating. After 40 minutes of persuasion, the man bent down and before he could recollect himself, the officers on the other side held him tight and pulled him up to safety. As soon as the man was safe, the officer who had been speaking to him rushed to the side and broke down in tears. Overcome with mixed emotions from recalling his own dreadful past and the joy of being able to save a life, his tears knew no end. @QLDR_ wrote, “I cried with you, Mr Police Officer. God bless you for giving your last breath of strength and love to this broken man and saving his life.” @Squeeker64 added, ‘Proud of the work they do & the courage they have to continue doing the job under difficult conditions.”

NOTE: If you are having thoughts about taking your own life, or know of anyone who is, please contact The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-SUICIDE (784-2433)