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Port Authority cop rescues 2 suicidal people on George Washington Bridge in one day

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Published Sep. 7, 2023, 11:14 p.m. ET

A fearless Port Authority cop helped stop two distraught people from killing themselves on the George Washington Bridge this week — just hours apart on the same day, according to police sources.

In the span of three hours Tuesday, twin tragedies were averted at the landmark bridge, where countless people have plunged to their deaths over the years.

Port Authority Police Officer Joe Romano was alerted to reports of a person possibly trying to climb the bridge’s north walkway fence around 5:30 p.m., and found a 26-year-old man scaling the barrier, sources said.

Romano, 37, approached the man, who jumped down to the walkway and then ran toward the New York side of the Hudson River span, sources said.

Romano gave chase as the man stopped at an observation point, climbed the fencing and warned, “I’m going to jump,” sources said.

Romano, on the job since 2016, was soon joined by Port Authority police officers Greg Rose, Chris Figuero and Dave Ferrara. Romano and Rose began talking with the man, who kept saying, “Don’t come closer,” according to sources.

As the two officers distracted the man, Figuero and Ferrara were able to grab him and pull him to safety.

From left to right: Police Officers Dave Ferrara, Joe Romano, Chris Figuero and Greg Rose.
Port Authority Police Officers Dave Ferrara, Joe Romano, Chris Figuero and Greg Rose.

Though he was still upset, the man thanked the officers for saving him before he was taken to Harlem Hospital, sources said.

Romano was out on patrol again around 8:30 p.m. when he and other officers were radioed about a 48-year-old woman under distress near the bridge after a concerned relative called Port Authority police.

The woman’s sister told police her loved one slit her wrists and was threatening to jump and sent a photo of the suicidal woman at her possible location.

Romano had a hunch where she was located based on the photo and drove to the New York side of the bridge. He walked in the wooded trails near its base in Fort Washington Park, sources said.

As he walked along the trail on the banks of the Hudson River with a flashlight, he heard rustling and found the 48-year-old soaked in blood after cutting herself with a broken glass, sources said.

Vehicles cross the George Washington Bridge linking New Jersey to New York City as it displays its 60 by 90 foot American flag to mark President's Day on February 20, 2023
In the span of three hours Tuesday, twin tragedies were averted at the landmark bridge, where countless people have plunged to their deaths over the years. Getty Images

The distraught woman was rushed to NewYork-Presbyterian-Columbia University Medical Center for treatment.

Another source pointed out to The Post that most cops go their entire career without saving someone’s life, but Romano pulled it off twice in one day.

Suicides and suicide attempts are not uncommon on the heavily congested bridge that is also frequented by joggers and cyclists.

Officials implemented a metal fence and netting system in 2017 to help deter possible jumpers.

There are also multiple signs on fences along the pathway with inspirational words to help detract potential jumpers.  

If you are struggling with suicidal thoughts or are experiencing a mental health crisis and live in New York City, you can call 1-888-NYC-WELL for free and confidential crisis counseling. If you live outside the five boroughs, you can dial the 24/7 National Suicide Prevention hotline at 1-800-273-8255 or go to SuicidePreventionLifeline.org.