Thirteen truck drivers are being commended for their remarkable teamwork after they banded together to prevent a suicidal man from jumping off a bridge.
The Michigan State Police received a call around 1 AM on Tuesday about a man threatening to leap from a bridge over Interstate 696 in Oak Park. As police closed down all highway lanes, they devised a plan to enlist nearby truck drivers to position their semis beneath the bridge, creating a safety net to cushion any potential fall.
State police Lt. Michael Shaw noted the selflessness of the truck drivers, stating, “There’re 13 truck drivers that didn’t even know this guy and were willing to slide underneath that overpass to help him.” After about four hours of negotiation, officers successfully persuaded the man to step back from the ledge.
In times of crisis, whether it’s a natural disaster, a public health emergency, or a personal tragedy, having a strong support system can make a huge difference. Communities that come together to provide emotional, practical, and financial assistance to those in need encourage resilience, unity, and recovery. The truck drivers’ actions are a litmus indicator to the power of community support and the importance of being there for one another in difficult times.
Times are truly daunting so if there’s ever a way you could make stuff soft for another, please don’t hesitate. Be kind for no reason.