On Aug. 8, the Cadiz Police Department received a call no officer wants to hear: A young man was on a bridge, threatening suicide.
Both CPD and the Harrison County Sheriff’s Office responded to the bridge, just before the Cadiz exit on Route 22. CPD Officer Chris Mazeroski arrived first and began speaking with the man.
Deputy Sedgmer, left, receiving the lifesaving award pin from Sheriff Touville.Cornelia Grace
Deputy Tony Sedgmer had just pulled into his driveway after finishing his shift when the call came over the radio. As one of only two trained negotiators in the county, he immediately turned around to help.
“I started talking to him and he let me close to him,” Sedgmer said. “I realized talking to him wasn’t working.”
The man seemed distracted, fidgeting and looking over the edge. “I don’t want to say it made me nervous, but I saw my opportunity and just grabbed him before it went on too much longer,” Sedgmer said.
Sedgmer quickly pulled the man off the ledge. He was transported by Hopedale Squad 115 for a 72-hour hold.
“I think that was the best outcome,” Sedgmer said. “It worked out. I know I’m good at talking to people — that’s one of the reasons they wanted me to become a negotiator. But I’ve also had a couple bad experiences where things went sideways.”
Sedgmer said he is thankful for the assistance of CPD and the other deputies.
CPD Lt. Ron Carter said the department is proud of everyone involved.
“Hats off to all the deputies and to my officer,” Carter said. “They put themselves in harm’s way grabbing hold of him and pulling him off the bridge. It just goes to show we’re fortunate to have them on duty.”
Sheriff Mark Touville also praised the response.
“They come out here to make a difference,” Touville said. “We try to do everything we can for mental health, because we know there’s a shortage [of social workers]. This kid’s just having a tough time.”
Touville presented Sedgmer with a letter of appreciation, a lifesaving award pin and a certificate from the Buckeye State Sheriff’s Association.
“The professionalism that you showed that day was exemplary and we’re very lucky to have you,” Touville said.
“Hopefully when people see these officers out, people will thank them,” Carter added. “These officers and deputies go above and beyond around here every day.”
