'He saved a life': Edmonton man recognized for actions on High Level Bridge
An Edmonton man was recently recognized as a hero for saving another man’s life while wearing his toddler on his back.
Chris Hancock was walking with his son on the High Level Bridge in March when he came across a man on the bridge who he says seemed distraught.
“I kind of touched base with him and I asked him, ‘How are you? How are you today? How are you feeling?’ and they didn't respond much to me.”
Hancock is a stay-at-home-dad, but he has a background in social services. He used to work at a supervised-consumption site, and said his training kicked in.
The man didn’t want to talk, Hancock said, and after a couple of minutes, he saw him quickly bypass the suicide barrier on the bridge.
“That's where I held on tight, as hard as I could, and as soon as I could see other people coming down, I just yelled and said, ‘Call 911.’”
He said several people rushed over, and emergency crews responded.
“To tell you how chaotic it was, I even had to run,” said Sgt. Curtis Hoople of the Edmonton Police Service.
“You could tell there was some exhaustion and relief when they saw us arrive, like OK, someone is going to help."
Hoople said he was struck by the fact that Hancock didn’t hesitate to help, even though he had his child on his back.
“I commend it…he saved a life. It's as simple as that.”
He was recently recognized by the Edmonton Police Commission for his actions, filling him with conflicting emotions.
“Receiving an award for when someone is at one of their perceived lowest points in their life, my wife and I we talked about it at length and kind of discussed it, but when we went to the actual awards banquet the police chief explained that it's about community acknowledgment, it's really the follow through of a community coming together to help individuals ... and to respond. And it just all made sense,” Hancock said.
If you are in crisis or in need of mental health or addiction support, call the Alberta Health Services Mental Health Help Line toll-free at 1-877-303-2642.
The help line is a confidential service operating 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and throughout the year.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
How quietly promised law changes in the 2024 federal budget could impact your day-to-day life
The 2024 federal budget released last week includes numerous big spending promises that have garnered headlines. But, tucked into the 416-page document are also series of smaller items, such as promising to amend the law regarding infant formula and to force banks to label government rebates, that you may have missed.
Which foods have the most plastics? You may be surprised
'How much plastic will you have for dinner, sir? And you, ma'am?' While that may seem like a line from a satirical skit on Saturday Night Live, research is showing it's much too close to reality.
opinion I've been a criminal attorney for decades. Here's what I think about the case against Trump
Joey Jackson, a criminal defence attorney and a legal analyst for CNN, outlines what he thinks about the criminal case against Donald Trump in the 'hush money trial.'
$3.8M home in B.C.'s Okanagan has steel shell for extra wildfire protection
A home in B.C.'s Okanagan that features a weathering steel shell designed to provide some protection against wildfires has been listed for sale at $3.8 million.
Diver pinned under water by an alligator figured he had choice. Lose his arm or lose his life
An alligator attacked a diver on April 15 as he surfaced from his dive, nearly out of air. His tank emptied with the gator's jaws crushing the arm he put up in defence.
Psychologist becomes first person in Peru to die by euthanasia after fighting in court for years
A Peruvian psychologist who suffered from an incurable disease that weakened her muscles and had her confined to her bed for several years, died by euthanasia, her lawyer said Monday, becoming the first person in the country to obtain the right to die with medical assistance.
Mystery surrounds giant custom Canucks jerseys worn by Lions Gate Bridge statues
The giant stone statues guarding the Lions Gate Bridge have been dressed in custom Vancouver Canucks jerseys as the NHL playoffs get underway.
Celebrity designer sentenced to 18 months in prison for smuggling crocodile handbags
A leading fashion designer whose accessories were used by celebrities from Britney Spears to the cast of the 'Sex and the City' TV series was sentenced Monday to 18 months in prison after pleading guilty in Miami federal court on charges of smuggling crocodile handbags from her native Colombia.
Wildfire leads to evacuation order issued for northeast Alberta community
An evacuation order was issued on Monday afternoon for homes in the area of Cold Lake First Nation.