Two MTA officers are being celebrated as heroes after they rescued a distressed woman who was hanging from a ledge on the Whitestone Bridge.
In a recent interview, officers Raheem Uddin and Jesalberto Fernandez described the tense moments as they approached the scene on April 13, unsure if they could save her in time. They managed to reach her just moments before a potential tragedy.
“The scary thing about this situation is that she was perched on the ledge, with most of her body already off it,” Uddin mentioned. “The only thing she could grab hold of was one of those flimsy DOT signs.”
Uddin cautiously approached the woman, affirming that he was there to help.
She expressed desperation, saying, “‘I don’t want to live anymore. I just want to die. No one will help me. People always say that, but no one really does.’
As a four-year police veteran and a father of two, Uddin felt a connection and used that to guide his approach.
“I told her, ‘I love you,'” he recalled. “‘I’m here for you. My goal is to get you off this bridge safely.’ I tried to ask her safe questions to keep her talking.”
Fernandez remained on standby, prepared to spring into action if needed.
Uddin engaged the woman for about five minutes, keeping eye contact and attempting to reassure her, but he was uncertain if she was absorbing his words.
Thinking on his feet, he asked her, “Can you tell me about today?” That question seemed to take her by surprise, and she looked at him blankly.
“That look felt like a signal from God,” Uddin reflected, deciding it was the moment to act. He reached out, pulled her to a safe zone, and asked her, “What’s going on? I’m here to help you.”
The woman, whose identity remains confidential, is now receiving psychiatric help, and Uddin mentioned he’s been in contact with her mother.
Fernandez, who is newer on the job, praised his partner’s quick thinking during the crisis.
“I have to commend my partner. Right when we got there, he was able to calm things down. While he communicated with her, I was positioned to support him if needed,” he shared.
Uddin advised Fernandez to pray when they received the emergency call.
Their actions have garnered praise from their colleagues and the police union.
MTA Police Benevolent Association President Joseph Pugliese referred to their efforts as “truly heroic,” acknowledging that they responded quickly and effectively, ultimately saving a life.
“They exemplify the best qualities of MTA police officers, consistently going above and beyond to ensure public safety,” he added, congratulating them on their commendable work.
If you reside in New York City and are facing suicidal thoughts or a mental health crisis, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for confidential support. Outside the five boroughs, the National Suicide Prevention Hotline is available at 988 or visit this link. SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.
