2020 Johnson Life Saving Award

On April 6, 2020, at approximately 11:54 pm, Officer Cuyler Johnson was traveling over the Veteran’s Memorial Bridge on Main Avenue when he observed a vehicle with its 4-way flashers activated. Officer Johnson also observed two females standing near the railing of the bridge. One of the females was on the elevated concrete ledge where the metal railing attaches. The drop into the overflowing Red River from this height is in excess of 25 feet.

Officer Johnson calmly approached the females and was told that the victim was “struggling”. Officer Johnson used a calm tone and approached closer to be able to communicate over a loud train. As he was asking the female to visit with him, the female made the overt action to climb up and over the railing. Without hesitation, Officer Johnson lunged toward the female wrapping his arms around her waist and pulled her down to the sidewalk away from the railing. He immediately ensured that she wasn’t hurt and established a rapport with her while they waited for an ambulance to arrive. 

Officer Johnson’s back-up officer was arriving on scene just as these actions were taking place. This officer later indicated that through his observations, Officer Johnson had no doubt saved the life of this woman who was going through a significant mental crisis.