By Mike Grimala
masslive.com
BOSTON — A Massachusetts State Police crisis negotiator is being hailed for his compassionate and empathetic approach while rescuing a man in distress on Boston’s Tobin Bridge on Thursday.
Body camera footage released by the State Police shows Trooper Rassan Charles engaging the man in conversation and eventually reassuring him to come down off the bridge.
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A bucket truck was used to lift Charles to where the man was standing. The footage then shows Charles talk to the man, telling him, “You’re not alone,” and “We all care about you.”
Charles then opens the door of the bucket, asking the man to come inside while reassuring him there is “nothing to be ashamed of.”
The man tells Charles, “I want you guys to get home to your families.”
Charles responds by agreeing that he wants everyone to get home safely. “That’s that beacon of hope. The light that you have in you right now. Hold on to that. Don’t let that go.”
“Nobody knows what you went through,” Charles continues. “Don’t let that change you, sir. You can move past this. You’re a strong man. You’ve been through so much. You’re still standing strong, man.”
The man eventually turned, giving Charles an opportunity to latch onto him and bring him back into the lift.
After being secured, the man thanked Charles and the rescue workers who saved him.
“Thank you,” the video footage shows him saying. “I appreciate you guys. Your guy is a hero.”
State Police released a statement praising Charles and asking citizens to treat mental health issues seriously.
“Today we’re sharing some of the body-worn camera video to raise awareness of the important issue of mental health,” the statement read.
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