Norwich police officers, civilians honored for helping to save distraught man

Norwich ― Several police officers, a dispatcher and two civilians, who turned a chaotic and potentially tragic scene into a dramatic rescue on March 29, received awards from Norwich Police Chief Patrick Daley on Monday for their quick action.

The parties were honored at the start of Monday’s City Council meeting for their roles in helping to save a man who was threatening to harm himself on a bridge near Norwich Harbor.

The incident in March began at 5:40 a.m., when police dispatcher Dane Majewski received a call from a 211 crisis worker, who was on the phone with a man saying he was going to harm himself, Police Capt. John Perry said, summarizing the incident at the start of Monday’s ceremony.

Responders did not immediately know where the man was located. Majewski continued to obtain information from the crisis worker and relayed information to Officer James Watts, who radioed information to officers in the vicinity.

Officer Ryan Dunn heard yelling on West Main Street near the Marina at American Wharf. He exited his cruiser and saw a man on the other side of the fence on the bridge, Perry said.

Civilians Francisco Lobos Osorio and Kelsy Osorio were holding onto the man, preventing him from falling. Dunn ran over and grabbed the man’s right arm. Officers Victoria Clarke and Megan Crawford arrived and assisted in holding the man.

K-9 Officer Jared Nelson arrived and began talking to the man. After several minutes of talking with him, Nelson persuaded the man to climb back over the fence to safety. He was taken to the Backus Hospital for treatment and a mental health evaluation.

“This collaboration between civilians and law enforcement undoubtedly saved a life,” Perry said, adding that by their quick actions, “an irreversible tragedy was avoided.”

Dunn and Nelson received the Medal for Lifesaving, awarded for prompt action that resulted in the saving of a human life.

Watts, Crawford, Clarke and Majewski each received the Medal for Exceptional Service, awarded for successfully performing an extremely difficult task, demonstrating exceptional skills.

The Osorios received the Norwich Police Chief’s Citation, for an act or service by a civilian in performing an action or service involving an important accomplishment.

“Thank you all,” Mayor Peter Nystrom said following the ceremony. “You are all a credit to the service of our city. On behalf of the entire City Council, I extend our thanks to all of you.”

Prior to the awards ceremony, Norwich police Officer Zachary Barber received the VFW National Law Enforcement Public Servant Citation by the local VFW for his dedication to community service. Nystrom also presented Barber with a city proclamation congratulating him for the honor.

If you are in crisis, please call, text or chat with the Suicide and Crisis Lifeline at 988, or contact the Crisis Text Line by texting TALK to 741741.

c.bessette@theday.com