Medal For Lifesaving: Rescued Woman From Suicide Attempt In Orange County

Press release from the Orange County Sheriff's Department:

September 8, 2020

On September 19, 2019 at 6 a.m., Motor Deputy Stephen Baker was on his way to work in Aliso Viejo when he came across a car that was partially blocking the right lane of the 15S/91W connector bridge.

As Deputy Baker got closer to the vehicle, he noticed a woman lying on the ground outside the passenger door. She immediately stood up and walked to the edge of the bridge where she threw her left leg over the four-foot wall. Deputy Baker distracted the woman by honking his horn and flashing his lights. He immediately got off his motorcycle and ran toward the woman grabbing her arm and keeping her from jumping into the traffic below.

It was later learned that the woman had lost her husband and had jumped out of a moving vehicle minutes before Deputy Baker came upon her. After saving her life, Deputy Baker released her to the California Highway Patrol so she could get the help she needed.

Deputy Baker was awarded the Medal for Lifesaving for his actions that day.

This press release was produced by the Orange County Sheriff’s Department. The views expressed here are the author’s own.