Congratulations to Special Constables Susanne Kelly and Michael Bednarek on their Police Hero of the Year award

*Warning some readers may find the following content about suicide disturbing.

In June 2019, Special Constables Michael Bednarek and Susanne Kelly were driving on Laurier Avenue when they were waved down by frantic pedestrians as a suicidal man had climbed over the railing of the bridge and began wrapping a extension cord around his neck, the other end of the cord had been tied to the bridge. 

Both Special Constables exited their work vehicle and ran toward the man. Special Constable Bednarek was able to grab a hold of the man's arm and tightly secure him.  He was then able to handcuff the man to the railing in order to deter him from jumping. The man then crouched down, still on the opposite side of the bridge and became unresponsive. 

Special Constable Kelly used quick thinking and retrieved a pair of shackles from their vehicle. They utilized the shackles and attached them to the man's ankles and the railing. At the same time, Special Constable Bednarek kept a tight grip on the man as he was leaning over the rail in a dangerous situation for himself while trying to engage him in positive conversation. When Ottawa Fire Services arrived, they secured the man and were then able to pull him back over the bridge. 

The quick actions by Special Constables Bednarek and Kelly undoubtedly saved the man's life and allowed him to seek the assistance that he needed.

Your mental health is important and help is available at crisisline.ca - 613-722-6914 or 1-866-996-0991.