ITHACA, NY (CortacaToday) – Authorities in Ithaca have saved a life.

The Ithaca Police Department (IPD), Ithaca Fire Department (IFD), and Bangs Ambulance responded to a report of a suicidal person hanging from the suspension bridge near Giles Street around 8:45 a.m. on Tuesday. Arriving officers confirmed someone was on the other side of the safety fence. According to IPD and IFD, the individual attempted to carry out their plan as more emergency personnel arrived.

Officers and firefighters moved quickly to cling to the individual through the wire mesh fence to prevent them from falling. At the same time, other members of IFD set up a rope rescue, cut through the fence, and attached a harness to the person in need, who was safely removed and taken to the hospital for evaluation and medical care.

IPD and IFD credit the community member who initially made the 911 call for his compassionate dialogue with the person before emergency responders arrived on the scene.

Call or text the Suicide Hotline at 988 if you or someone you know is struggling with mental health. Call 911 if someone is in immediate danger.