Huntsville Police officers honored with life-saving medal for heroic bridge rescue

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During the latest Huntsville City Council meeting on Thursday, Oct. 9, Huntsville Police Department (HPD) Officers Ryan Colligan and Jon Garner were honored with the department’s Life Saving Medal for their quick thinking and courageous actions earlier this year.

HPD Chief Kirk Giles, alongside Mayor Tommy Battle and HPD Captain Scott Widner, present the department's Life Saving Medal to Officer Colligan during Oct. 9 City Council meeting.
HPD Chief Kirk Giles, alongside Mayor Tommy Battle and HPD Captain Scott Widner, present the department’s Life Saving Medal to Officer Colligan during Oct. 9 City Council meeting.

Shortly after midnight on Friday, June 13, HPD officers responded to the Whitesburg Bridge for a report of a person threatening to jump. Deputies from both Madison and Morgan counties also responded to assist. The individual was found straddling the wall on the northbound side of the bridge, visibly in crisis.

Officer Garner began communicating with the person, calmly building trust and working to deescalate the situation. While he kept the person engaged, Officer Colligan quietly positioned himself from behind at a safe angle. Relying on nonverbal cues from Officer Garner, Officer Colligan was able to safely grab the person and pull them back over the wall to safety.

The Life Saving Medal is among HPD’s highest honors, awarded in accordance with the department’s directive on Awards and Commendations. Officers Colligan and Garner’s courage, composure and teamwork not only saved a life but also exemplified the professionalism and compassion that define the Huntsville Police Department.

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