Life Saving Incident
February 1, 2024
Illinois
Sangamon County
Springfield
On February 1, 2024 Officer Meacham responded to a radio call regarding a suicidal individual. The individual was reported to be on a railroad overpass on Sangamon Ave , Springfield, Ill. When Officer Meacham arrived he was met by an employee of the railroad. That employee, Nathan Gutmann, had engaged the suicidal individual in conversation. It was at that time that Officer Meacham established a rapport with the individual. The subject appeared to be upset and was indicating that he wanted to jump from the overpass. During this conversation the subject suddenly lunged forward in an attempt to end his life. Officer Meacham quickly managed to grab hold of the subject as he was falling over the edge. Mr. Gutmann rushed to the aid of the officer and assisted in pulling the man to safety. The man was transported to a medical facility for treatment. Officer Meacham was awarded the life saving medal for his quick thinking which resulted in the saving of a life.
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.
