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BWC: Tenn. officers rescue woman in crisis from bridge ledge

“Different agencies, one mission,” the Tennessee Highway Patrol stated. “Save a life. And they did ... If you are struggling, please hear this. You matter, and help is available.”

Editor’s Note: If you or someone you know is struggling or having thoughts of suicide, you are not alone — and help is always available. Call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline to connect with a trained counselor, or chat online at 988lifeline.org. Whether you’re seeking support for yourself or someone you care about, please know that it’s never too late to reach out. You deserve help. You deserve hope. Someone is ready to listen


SULLIVAN COUNTY, Tenn. — The Tennessee Highway Patrol released body camera footage showing the rescue of a woman in crisis standing on the ledge of a bridge.

The incident unfolded on Dec. 26 when officers and personnel from several public safety agencies responded to a woman standing on the ledge of a bridge overlooking the Holston River, according to the release.

Body camera footage shows the woman standing on the ledge as several officers speak with her in an effort to dissuade her from jumping. Their words can’t be heard in the video clip because the body camera clip audio was not activated until later.

The video shows an officer quickly approach the woman, grab her and pull her from the ledge. Additional footage shows a Tennessee Highway Patrol trooper checking in with paramedics as the woman was placed inside an ambulance.

The response included troopers, Sullivan County Sheriff’s Office units, Tennessee Department of Transportation units and assistance from Tennessee State Parks and Tennessee Wildlife Resources Agency officers, according to the release.

“Different agencies, one mission,” the release stated. “Save a life. And they did ... If you are struggling, please hear this. You matter, and help is available.”

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Joanna Putman is an Associate Editor and newswriter at Police1, where she has been covering law enforcement topics since August 2023. Based in Orlando, Florida, she holds a journalism degree from the University of Florida and spent two years working in nonprofit local newsrooms, gaining experience in community-focused reporting. Married to a law enforcement officer, she works hard to highlight the challenges and triumphs of those who serve and protect. Have a news tip? Email her at news@lexipol.com