MASSENA – A Massena police officer is being credited with saving an individual from jumping from a bridge in a suicide attempt.

“Brian exemplifies the type of person we look for to serve in this department and his actions that day saved a life. We are very proud of him and we are very happy to have him in our department,” Olson said.

Waite, a recent lateral transfer from the Ogdensburg Police Department, has only been on the job in Massena for a few months but has already made a huge impact, Olson said.

On the night of Jan. 28, Waite responded to a call about a potentially suicidal individual who was standing on the outside edge of a bridge in Massena.

Waite engaged the individual in conversation, eventually convincing them to come back over the railing and onto the sidewalk with him.

“Officer Waite’s controlled demeanor kept the individual calm and de-escalated the incident bringing a peaceful and safe end to a stressful and complex situation,” Olson said.

As a result of his actions, Waite was presented with a letter of commendation.

A police department Facebook post chronicling the incident has since received over 1,100 likes in 15 hours.