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“According to Chief Richard Howe, at approximately 7:45 a.m., Tyngsborough Police Communication Specialist Bonney Murray took a call from a man who stated that he was on the Tyngsborough Bridge and was suicidal and needed help.
Sgt. Kenneth Healey, Officer Charles Rubino and Officer Evan Donnelly responded and located the man.
Upon arrival, the officers told the man that they were there to help him, and they were going to provide him with whatever help he needed. The officers spoke with the man until an ambulance arrived. The man agreed to get into the ambulance and the officers helped him inside. The man was transported to the hospital to receive care.
Following the incident, Tyngsborough Police notified their local mental health collaborative, the Frontline Initiative, and a clinician will be following up with the individual.
“This was excellent work by everyone involved and we’re very happy that this gentleman decided to get the help that he needed,” Chief Howe said. “I want to commend Sgt. Healey, Officer Rubino and Officer Donnelly for de-escalating the situation and using care and compassion to show this man that help was available. I also want to recognize Communication Specialist Murray who stayed on the line with the man for almost the entire time and worked to de-escalate the situation using her training in emergency medical dispatch (EMD), used by dispatchers in these types of high stress situations.”
Anyone who is having emotional distress or thoughts of suicide can call 988 to speak to a specialist for support.”
