Life Saving Incident
October 21, 1983
California
San Diego County
San Diego
On October 21, 1983 Officer Cavanaugh responded to a radio call regarding a man threatening to jump from the University street bridge over Highway 163. When he arrived he recognized the man as a violent and mentally unstable individual he had recently encountered. The man had threatened the life of another police officer. While the individual's attention was diverted, Officer Cavanaugh managed to work his way to within a few feet of the subject. The subject let go of the railing and was falling forward when Officer Cavanaugh grabbed him. He then pulled him back onto the bridge and subdued him. Officer Cavanaugh saved the life of a fellow human being who had openly expressed feelings of hatred for police officers. Officer Cavanaugh was commended for his professional actions and his courage.
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.
