JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – A Jacksonville Sheriff’s Office officer who spent about an hour talking with a woman threatening to take her own life on a bridge has been recognized as the agency’s Police Officer of the Month.
Officer Lindsey Shaw responded April 26 to a report of a woman standing on the edge of a bridge in the New Kings Road area, according to JSO.
When Shaw arrived, she began speaking with the woman and encouraging her to move away from the edge and climb back to the safe side of the barrier.
The woman initially refused and told Shaw she did not trust police officers.
Shaw continued talking with her rather than ending the conversation. Over the course of roughly an hour, their discussion became more personal, eventually turning to a shared interest in superheroes.
According to JSO, that connection proved to be a turning point. As Shaw continued speaking with the woman, she ultimately decided to climb back over the barrier to safety.
JSO later recognized Shaw as its Police Officer of the Month for her actions during the encounter.
The sheriff’s office said it altered the woman’s voice in video of the incident to protect her privacy.
Anyone experiencing suicidal thoughts or concerned about someone who may be in crisis can call or text the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline for free, confidential support 24 hours a day.