Editor’s note: The following story mentions suicidal behavior. If you or someone you know is struggling with mental health, free help is available 24/7 through the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline by calling or texting 988.
Two Millvale police officers received commendations in July for saving the life of a woman who was threatening to jump from the 40th Street Bridge in May.
Mayor Brian Spoales, police Chief Tim Komoroski and council President James Machajewski Jr. presented the awards to Officers Jennifer Harpur and Tim McDonough at the July 14 council meeting.
Harpur, 33, a native and resident of McCandless, has been an officer in Millvale since 2016. McDonough, 34, a native of Pittsburgh’s Point Breeze neighborhood and resident of Hampton, has been with Millvale for six years.
A passing motorist reported seeing a person on the side of the bridge shortly before 1 a.m. May 26. The 26-year-old woman had climbed over the side of a railing and was standing on a ledge, Komoroski said.
“There was nothing between her and the river,” Komoroski said. “She expressed that she wanted to end her life.”
Harpur, a negotiator with the North Hills Special Response Team, talked to the woman for more than a half-hour. The woman never responded or looked at her, Spoales said.
“It was her constantly for 30 minutes attempting to talk this girl off the edge,” Spoales said. “That amazed me when I talked with Jen about that.”
When the woman made a gesture toward going over, Spoales said Harpur gave McDonough a hand signal for him to come up and grab the woman.
Komoroski said people threatening to jump from the bridge is rare, recalling a half-dozen incidents in his 11 years at Millvale. For someone to climb over as this woman had is even rarer, but when they do it usually does not end well.
“It just took time and, thankfully, they’ve been trained on what to say,” Komoroski said. “It worked out well. The young lady is still with us.”
Spoales read from their commendation, which said that Harpur and McDonough “demonstrated extraordinary courage, compassion and professionalism in responding to a critical incident involving an individual in imminent danger of taking their own life.
“Through calm communication, empathy and decisive action, Officers Harpur and McDonough were able to de-escalate the situation, ensuring the safety of the individual and preventing a tragic loss of life. Their ability to remain composed under intense emotional pressure reflects the highest standards of law enforcement service.
“This act not only saved a life but also reaffirmed the department’s commitment to protecting and valuing every member of our community,” Spoales said. “The actions of Officer Harpur and McDonough embody the principles of duty, honor and humanity, and serve as an inspiring example for all.”
Komoroski said he is proud of his officers but not surprised.
“This is just what they do,” he said. “Our officers, probably the best way to describe them is, they all talk to people better than social workers do. I never hear one of them lose their temper. I never hear one of them yell, scream, embarrass us in any way, shape or form.
“I know if I was in peril or one of my family members was in peril, these are the people that I would want to come help us. I’m always proud of them. Every day gives me another reason to be prouder.”