Two Detroit police officers are being honored for preventing a suicide earlier this year.
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 are being recognized with the Medal of Valor.
