Bangor Police Officer Credited for Saving Despondent Man

A man upset because his girlfriend was leaving him and taking his children was talked down from a bridge by a Bangor Police Officer.

In a press release Bangor Police say Officer Derek Laflin was called to the report of a despondent man on the outside railing of the Valley Avenue Bridge last night around 9:30.

Officer Laflin tried to negotiate with the man but he would not communicate with the officer. Officer Laflin backed away and then talked with the man while rescue units had a chance to respond. Officer Laflin was eventually able to grab hold of the man and pull him back over the bridge to safety.

Sgt. Dave Bushey wrote in a memo to the Chief that, “Officer Laflin took swift action by gaining positive control of the suicidal male and pulling him to safety. His actions were decisive and clearly in good judgment. Officer Laflin still maintained his surroundings and requested that a citizen divert incoming traffic until he was able to safely secure the man. His actions were commendable and very deserving to be recognized.”

The man was transported to a local emergency room for an evaluation.