Connecticut State Police sergeant gets national hero award for saving woman’s life while off duty

WESTBROOK, Conn. (WTNH) — Connecticut State Police Sgt. Ashley Harkins was off duty when she rushed into action to save a suicidal woman in Old Lyme.

Harkins scaled a fence on the Baldwin Bridge in Old Lyme without equipment and used her body to prevent the woman from falling off a narrow concrete ledge.

Now, Harkins is being recognized at the national level with the Carnegie Medal for Heroism. The award honors those who have faced “extraordinary risk” to save the lives of others.

Harkins, a 37-year-old from Westbrook, is one of 17 people who have received the award this year. Winners receive a grant, with more than $45 million awarded in 120 years.

Harkins, along with Sgt. Matthew Belz, were captured on bodycam footage helping the woman in November 2023. Belz spoke to the woman while Harkins scaled the fence and helped the woman climb it.

The woman, who is in her 60s, was taken to a hospital for an emergency mental health evaluation.

Harkins previously spoke to News 8 about the moment. Watch her interview in the player below.

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