Life Saving Incident
June 7, 2018
Michigan
Wayne County
Detroit
On June 7, 2018, Detroit Police Officers Sean Bell and Ryan O’Connell responded to a call of a “suicide in progress". Upon arrival, Officers Bell and O’Connell were informed that a man was in the attic contemplating suicide and was possibly armed with a handgun. The officers entered the room and found the man sitting in the corner with a loaded handgun between his legs. Bell calmly started a conversation, continually reassuring him that things would be okay and asking him for his weapon. After many tense minutes of calm conversation, Bell convinced the man to set the weapon by his side where he was able to recover it, saving the man’s life and protecting himself and his partner. After Bell left the room, O’Connell continued to keep the man calm. Eventually, both officers were able to talk him from the attic to the scout car and then to the hospital for treatment. These brave actions, remaining calm in the face of danger, clearly exhibited the highest quality of police work and bravery. For their actions, they were recognized with the Medal of Valor.
The history of law enforcement in the United States is a long and wonderful history of bravery. This website is dedicated to documenting the heroic deeds of law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have either given or risked their lives to save others. There are many stories of bravery and heroism for many who are considered first responders. However, it is those in law enforcement who are most likely to be the first to arrive upon a location requiring life saving acts engaging dangerous hostage takers, running into burning buildings/vehicles, providing first aid to seriously injured victims, saving near drowning victims and much more are what the women and men of law enforcement do routinely and at many times, great peril to their own safety.
It is our mission to document the history of lives saved by those dedicated women and men in law enforcement. To share with others the dramatic deeds of those individuals who are the first, first responders. It is so important for our citizens to understand that law "enforcement" is not always about enforcing the law but rather being there when our citizens need us.
It is to this end we are dedicated to promoting documentation regarding the history of law enforcement and the lives they have saved.
