Officers talk suicidal man down from overpass
WASHINGTON, D.C. (March 14, 2024) – The National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund (NLEOMF) today announced Officers Eleodoro Mata and Carl Fayette of the New York City Police Department as their Officers of the Month for October 2023. Officers Mata and Fayette were selected for their compassion and bravery when they talked a suicidal man down from a New York City overpass.
On October 5, 2023, Officers Mata and Fayette were dispatched to a suicidal man that was about to jump from the bridge at Riverside Dr. and West 130th St. Upon arrival, both officers initiated contact with the man imploring him to return to safety. Despite having never met, both officers showed true compassion and empathy through their words as they relentlessly continued their pleas. They maintained this communication for approximately 45 minutes when the man was eventually brought to safety. Without their compassion and patience, the outcome could have been tragic.
“These officers are heroes, and their actions serve to highlight the countless acts of valor which often go unnoticed and without the recognition or fanfare such acts deserve,” said William Alexander, CEO of the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial. “We are humbled and proud to honor Officers Mata and Fayette as our Officers of the Month for October 2023.”
The Officer of the Month Award Program is sponsored by the Police Unity Tour and recognizes federal, state, and local officers who distinguish themselves through exemplary law enforcement service and devotion to duty.
About the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund
Established in 1984, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial Fund is a nonprofit organization dedicated to honoring the fallen, telling the story of American law enforcement, and making it safer for those who serve. The first pillar of this mission, the National Law Enforcement Officers Memorial in Washington, D.C., honors the names of all of the 23,785 officers who have died in the line of duty to date throughout U.S. history. Additionally, NLEOMF maintains and publishes comprehensive details on the circumstances surrounding official line-of-duty deaths. The Officer Safety and Wellness pillar uses that data, coupled with best-practice program models, to produce programming directed at solutions to improve survivability and enhance wellness. NLEOMF’s third pillar, the National Law Enforcement Museum (LawEnforcementMuseum.org) is committed to preserving the history of American law enforcement and sharing the experiences of service and sacrifice for generations to come.
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