Two area law-enforcement officers have earned a commendation.

According to the Odessa Police Department, at approximately 1:36 a.m. on Thursday, August 12, officer Dyllan Ratigan and Lieutenant Cody Smith responded to the area of Highway 40 and Johnson Drive overpass to I-70 for a person well-being check.

The officers encountered a mentally-compromised person threatening to jump from the bridge into dangerous I-70 traffic passing underneath. Officer Ratigan and Lieutenant Smith are both trained and certified in crisis intervention. As Officer Ratigan spoke to the person, distracting him from jumping, Lieutenant Smith approached the subject from a concealed position. Lieutenant Smith and Officer Ratigan physically pulled the person from the edge of the bridge, putting themselves in a harmful position. The person was detained, and a mental-health evaluation was completed resulting in the subject being transferred to a medical facility for further mental-health evaluation.

Police officials say, officer Ratigan’s and Lieutenant Smith’s quick response, recognition of the severity of the medical emergency, immediate actions and effective crisis intervention resulted directly in saving the life of this person. A failure to act or action after delay could have led to a tragic outcome.

Police officials add, “Officer Ratigan’s and Lieutenant Smith’s actions qualify them for this Life Saving Award and bestows upon them the Department’s and the City’s appreciation.”