Massachusetts State Police trooper rescues man in crisis from Tobin Bridge
By: -----
Boston, MA - A State Police trooper recently saved a man facing a crisis on the edge of the Tobin Bridge, as MSP shared body cam video from the incident to raise awareness about mental health.
Trooper Rassan Charles — a Mass State Police crisis negotiator — is being called a “hero” after he rescued the person battling a mental health crisis.
“We’re just going to talk,” Charles told the man, as seen in the body cam footage. “You’re not alone, (the man’s name). You’re not alone. We all care about you, (the man’s name)… Nothing to worry about, man. Nothing to be ashamed of, get through some tough times.”
The man responded to Charles: “Yeah, I know.”
Charles continued to speak to the man, saying he will support him.
“I will help you. That’s why I’m here,” Charles said. “I swear to God, I will help you. I’ll do everything in my power to provide you the help that you need, (man’s name). I guarantee you that… You can move past this, (man’s name). You’re a strong man. You’ve been through so much. You’re still standing strong, man.”
That got through to the man in crisis, who responded, “I am standing proud.”
Charles continued, “You’re not a quitter. You’re not a quitter. You are blessed. You are blessed.”
Again, the trooper’s words connected with the man, who responded, “I am blessed. I am truly blessed. I don’t doubt that one bit.”
Boston EMS Lt. John Cotter was also involved in the rescue. He told the man, “I’m not going to let this happen to you.”
The man responded, “I know you’re not. You’re doing a great job. You’ve kept me this long.”
When the man turned his back, Charles took advantage of the opportunity and grabbed him.
“You got this,” the trooper said.
The man thanked him and everyone involved in the rescue: “Thank you, appreciate you guys. Your guy is a hero.”