Border Patrol Agent, Firefighter​ Save Suicidal Woman In County

SAN DIEGO COUNTY, CA — A Border Patrol agent and an off-duty firefighter saved a suicidal woman from jumping off the Pine Valley Bridge along Interstate 8 in San Diego County.

The agent spotted the woman standing on the rails of the bridge near the westbound traffic lanes around 7 a.m. Tuesday, according to the Border Patrol's San Diego-area office.

The agent turned around and was joined by an off-duty firefighter. They physically removed the woman from the edge of the bridge, Supervisory Border Patrol Agent Jeff Stephenson said. The woman was transferred to the California Highway Patrol for care and assistance.

"A tragedy was avoided today thanks to the efforts of these heroes," Chief Patrol Agent Aaron Heitke said. "Even though border security is our primary mission, our agents respond to a multitude of significant events in the areas they patrol and consistently rise to the challenge."

The National Suicide Prevention Lifeline is available 24 hours a day at 1-800-273-8255.

Also see:

San Diego Border Patrol Agents Rescue 2 Abandoned Children