'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
BREAKING Baby and grandparents killed in wrong-way crash involving police on Ontario's Highway 401
An infant and the child's grandparents – aged 55 and 60 – were all killed when a vehicle being pursued by police in the wrong direction on Highway 401 in Whitby, Ont. caused a crash involving at least six vehicles, the Special Investigations Unit says. The driver of the suspect vehicle also died.
McGill requests 'police assistance' over pro-Palestinian encampment
McGill University says it has 'requested police assistance' about the pro-Palestinian encampment on its lower field.
Freeland tables motion previewing omnibus budget bill
Deputy Prime Minister and Finance Minister Chrystia Freeland will be tabling yet another omnibus bill to pass the sweeping range of measures promised in her April 16 federal budget.
Judge holds Trump in contempt, fines him US$9,000 and raises threat of jail in hush money trial
Donald Trump was held in contempt of court Tuesday and fined US$9,000 for repeatedly violating a gag order that barred him from making public statements about witnesses, jurors and some others connected to his New York hush money case. If he does it again, the judge warned, he could be jailed.
Air Canada walks back new seat selection policy change after backlash
Air Canada has paused a new seat selection fee for travellers booked on the lowest fares just days after implementing it.
Court upholds Milwaukee police officer's firing for posting racist memes after Sterling Brown arrest
The Wisconsin Supreme Court ruled Tuesday that a former Milwaukee police officer was properly fired for posting racist memes related to the arrest of an NBA player that triggered a public outcry.
New cancer treatment approved, but not everyone thinks it's what's best for patients
A new cancer treatment recently approved in Canada promises to cut treatment time down to just minutes, but experts have differing opinions on whether it's what's best for patients.
T. rex is at the centre of a debate over dinosaur intelligence
Surmising even the physical appearance of a dinosaur - or any extinct animal - based on its fossils is a tricky proposition, with so many uncertainties involved. Assessing a dinosaur's intelligence, considering the innumerable factors contributing to that trait, is exponentially more difficult.
Province boots mayor and council in small northern Ont. town out of office
An ongoing municipal strike, court battles and revolt by half of council has prompted the province to oust the mayor and council in Black River-Matheson.