MAYOR GIVES TWO DISTINGUISHED SERVICE AWARDS

Mayor Don Plusquellic today presented Distinguished Services Awards to Mike Reed of the Akron Fire Department’s Medic 7 crew and to Summit County Deputy Sheriff Gary Hall for their heroic efforts in stopping a man who was attempting suicide by jumping off the All-America Bridge.

On Tuesday, July 24, just a few minutes before 3:00 p.m., a passerby flagged down Deputy Hall who was working at the Sojourner Truth Building. Deputy Hall immediately drove to the scene and tried to convince the man to move from the far side of the handrail. In the meantime, a Metro RTA bus driver and several other witnesses called Akron fire and police dispatchers. Within about three minutes of the dispatch, Reed and other medical personnel arrived on the scene and joined Deputy Hall in attempting to "talk down" the man now sitting on the outside of the rail. After about 10 minutes of talking to the man, he moved closer to the edge and appeared ready to jump. With no regard for his own safety, Reed grabbed the man and with Deputy Hall’s help, pulled him over the guardrail and away from harm.

The man was immediately transported to St. Thomas Hospital by the Medic 7 unit, within about 20 minutes after the medical unit arrived on the scene. The man has a history of depression and had been under treatment at St. Thomas Hospital.

In awarding the Distinguished Service Awards to Reed and Hall, Mayor Plusquellic commented: "These two men represented their departments with courage and distinction. Our community should feel secure knowing that it is very well-served by both the Akron and County safety forces. I am pleased to commend both of them."

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