Santa Monica Cop Honored with Hero Award by Suicide Prevention Group

SANTA MONICA, CA - A Santa Monica police sergeant will receive the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hero Award on Tuesday.

Sgt. Austin Brown will be honored on Tuesday at 2 p.m. at the AFSP Greater Los Angeles Chapter office, 333 Olympic Drive. National Suicide Prevention Week is Sept. 5-11.

On March 8, Brown saved the life of a man who was "in the midst of a suicide attempt in front of the Santa Monica Courthouse," said Traute Winters of AFSP.

"He acted quickly and heroically to save a life, and has brought greater awareness of suicide prevention through his continued efforts as a member of the department's Crisis Negotiation Team, and as one of the founding members of the department's (Drug Abuse Resistance Education) program," Winters said.

"For his lifesaving work, and longstanding dedication to suicide prevention education and training, Sgt. Brown is being recognized with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention's Hero Award."

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The Santa Monica Police Department was honored by the AFSP's recognition of Sgt. Brown's action in preventing a crisis situation from resulting in a tragedy, SMPD Lt. Saul Rodriguez said.

"Sgt. Brown’s actions reflect the character and poise of the men and woman of the Santa Monica Police Department," he said.

AFSP's Hero Award is given to a first-responder personnel, such as paramedics, firefighters, police officers, or other emergency service workers who have "demonstrated longstanding dedication to preventing suicide through conversation, education, physical action, or by providing lifesaving aid to someone in crisis," Winters said.

Suicide is the second leading cause of death for people ages 25-34 in California. On average one person dies by suicide every two hours in the state. It is the 11th leading cause of death overall in California.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention is dedicated to saving lives and bringing hope to those affected by suicide.

AFSP has local chapters in all 50 states with programs and events nationwide. Learn more about AFSP in its latest Annual Report, and join the conversation on suicide prevention by following AFSP on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and YouTube.

— City News Service contributed to this story, photo courtesy of SMPD