07/20/2011 Board of Public Safety Meeting

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REGULAR MEETING JULY 20, 2011 37 WHEREAS, the Board of Public Safety wishes to issue Commendations to individuals who perform meritorious service on behalf of the citizens of this Community, and; WHEREAS, such service shall be recognized by the Board of Public Safety and appropriate Commendation shall be presented to the individual performing said meritorious service. NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED, that Commendation be given to: ANDRE GAMMA GE On June 17, 2011, shortly after 1:30 p.m. Andre Gammage, while driving on the Sample Street Bridge, noticed a young man on the outside of the railing of the bridge. This individual was not holding on to either the railing or the concrete base for support. Gammage stopped his car, called the police department, exited his car and approached the young man. Gammage engaged the young man in conversation concerning his intentions until a police car arrived. The young man stated that he had no reason to live, no friends and no job. When a police officer, Patrolman Ron Glon, arrived he and Gammage continued to talk to the young man in an attempt to dissuade him from suicide. Finally, when it became clear from his actions and words that the young man was about to jump into the St. Joseph River, South Bend Police Patrolmen Ron Glon and Kevin Gibbons, lunged at and grabbed the young man and pulled him back over the railing to safety. In his report, Patrolman Ron Glon says: If it wasn't for Andre Gammage talking to the victim until Officer Glon and Gibbons arrived, victim most likely would have jumped into the river and drowned. I feel that Andre Gammage helped save Mr. ...'s life. Andre did a wonderful job as a citizen getting involved. By his quick recognition of the potential problem, clear thinking, soothing voice and honest concern for the safety of the young man, Andre Gammage was instrumental in saving a life by preventing a suicide. BE IT FURTHER RESOLVED that Andre Gammage be commended and recognized by the City of South Bend for his selfless actions and involvement in the community. Dated this 20th day of July, 2011. BOARD OF PUBLIC SAFETY OF THE CITY OF SOUTH BEND, INDIANA s /Patrick D. Cottrell, Member s /Laura Vasquez, Member s /Eddie L. Miller, Member ATTEST: s /Linda M. Martin, Clerk Mr. Gammage was present and stated his response was just a normal reaction. He stated it was obvious that the individual was intent on committing suicide or was just being very careless and reckless. He stated he pulled over and approached the individual and talked to him as if they were on an elevator. Mr. Gammage noted the Fire and Police Departments did an excellent job. He stated when the individual was pulled off the bridge, Mr. Gammage told him wherever he was taken, he would go with him. The individual was taken to the hospital, so he went there and talked with him. He told the individual he would buy him new shoes because he had thrown his shoes into the river. Mr. Gammage stated when he thought about it later he was disappointed to see that nobody else stopped to try to help when this person was on the bridge, obviously in trouble. He stated he never gave it a second thought; it was just a normal reaction. Upon a motion by Ms. Vasquez, seconded by Mr. Miller and carried, the Resolution was approved by the Board of Public Safety.