Suicidal Person Saved From 35 Feet Above NJT Tracks: Madison PD

MADISON, NJ — Madison and Chatham Borough police officers worked together to save the life of a suicidal person above New Jersey Transit Tracks early Monday morning, police said.

The person, who is not named, was threatening to jump off the Union Hill Road train overpass just after midnight on Monday, police said. The overpass is about eight feet above the sidewalk, and about 35 feet above the train tracks.

Madison Police Sgt. James Cavezza, Patrolmen Chris Burans and Travis Daniel, and Chatham Borough Police Sgt. Daryle Kelly, along with Chatham Patrol Officers Joseph Crecca and Agnes Cisek attempted to talk the person off but after several attempts to calm them down, officers decided to act.

Officers jumped up to the ledge to pull the person down to the ground safely, police said. The Madison Volunteer Ambulance Corps brought them to Morristown Medical Center for a psychological evaluation, where the person was reunited with their family.

Police chiefs from both agencies thanked the officers for their quick thinking and bravery. Madison Police Chief Darren P. Dachisen Sr. said he was proud of the officers for avoiding a tragic event and saving a life.

"I am extremely impressed, but not surprised, by the extraordinary cooperation, effort and compassion exhibited by all of the officers on scene," Chatham Borough Police Chief Brian K. Gibbons said.

"The Madison and Chatham Borough Police Departments worked admirably together and we are very happy that they were able to save this young person’s life," Madison Mayor Robert Conley said.

Image via Shutterstock

If you or someone you know is considering suicide, call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-8255 or text the Crisis Text Line at 741-741.