Milledgeville police lauded for pulling man from bridge

Body camera videos are leading to accolades for two Milledgeville police officers who rescued a distraught man sitting on bridge railings.

Just before 10:45 p.m. Monday, Officer Brian English approached the man, who stood up on the ledge over the water on East Hancock Street.

“Just stay over there,” the man tells English as Officer Crystal Reese approaches.

As Reese talks to the man, English radios for rescue personnel to go down near the water in case he jumps.

English comes up behind the man and pulls him to safety.

“Oh thank God,” Reese said on the recording.

Milledgeville Police Chief Dray Swicord lauded their teamwork, which was captured on the body cams.

“That’s pretty awesome, isn’t it,” Swicord said.

Posts on the department’s Facebook page state the officers are a fine example of dedication in action.

“Without a doubt, the actions of Officer Reese and Officer English prevented a terrible tragedy from occurring on Monday night,” the posts stated.

This story was originally published August 28, 2015 at 11:49 AM with the headline "Milledgeville police lauded for pulling man from bridge ."