Life Saving Incident
March 30, 1990
California
San Diego County
San Diego
On Friday March 30, 1990 Detective David Swiskoski and Officers Thomas Bostedt and Laurence Elarton responded to the area of University Avenue and 30th Street regarding a person intending to jump from the roof of a three story building. Detective Swiskoski was able to establish a rapport with the 19 year old who was despondent over his drug use and had decided to end his life. Detective Swikowski kept him engaged in conversation as Officers Bostedt and Elarton skillfully moved closer to him. The subject decided to jump, and as he went over the side of the ledge the officers lunged forward and grabbed him , keeping him from falling. They were able to pull him back onto the roof to safety.
Detective Swiskowski, and Officers Bostedt and Elarton are commended for saving the life of a fellow human being. (Photographs of Swiskowski and Elarton were not available)
The history of law enforcement in the United States is a long and wonderful history of bravery. This website is dedicated to documenting the heroic deeds of law enforcement officers throughout the United States who have either given or risked their lives to save others. There are many stories of bravery and heroism for many who are considered first responders. However, it is those in law enforcement who are most likely to be the first to arrive upon a location requiring life saving acts engaging dangerous hostage takers, running into burning buildings/vehicles, providing first aid to seriously injured victims, saving near drowning victims and much more are what the women and men of law enforcement do routinely and at many times, great peril to their own safety.
It is our mission to document the history of lives saved by those dedicated women and men in law enforcement. To share with others the dramatic deeds of those individuals who are the first, first responders. It is so important for our citizens to understand that law "enforcement" is not always about enforcing the law but rather being there when our citizens need us.
It is to this end we are dedicated to promoting documentation regarding the history of law enforcement and the lives they have saved.
