Trooper Consoles Man After Talking Him Out Of Suicide

June 7, 2022

A Massachusetts State Police Trooper consoled a distraught man on the Tobin Bridge Saturday afternoon after successfully talking him out of committing suicide.

Massachusetts State Police

Troopers and firefighters from Boston and Chelsea responded to the bridge at 12:04 p.m. for a man threatening to jump from the southbound upper deck. Responding patrols reported that the man had crossed over the barrier and was on the edge of the bridge, contemplating jumping.

Sergeant Peter Sennott, Trooper Randy Roach and Trooper Paul O’Connor worked together to establish trust and communicate with the distressed man.

Shortly after 12:30 p.m., Trooper O’Connor convinced the man to come back over the fence to the road side of the bridge. Trooper O’Connor then sat with the man and talked to him for a while until EMS took him to a Boston hospital for evaluation.

"We wish him recovery and a safe and healthy future," the department said in the Facebook post.

Thousands of people commented on the post, thanking the officers.

"Thank you, sir for not only helping this man, but for being there for him until he could be safe, and for consoling him," one user wrote.

"It takes a special person to save someone with their words. Well done troopers & I hope this gentleman gets the help he needs," another wrote.