On May 3, 2020, at 7:09 pm, the Golden Valley Police Department was notified of a possible jumper/suicidal person on the walk-bridge over I-394 in Golden Valley. Officers Sean Hartneck and Trevor Weinmann were dispatched to the scene, where they saw a female sitting on the bridge deck.
According to the police report, as Hartneck approached, the female began climbing the chain link fence in an attempt get to the other side and jump. Hartneck was able to quickly make his way to the female and grab her before she got out of reach. As she struggled to pull away and get outside the fence, Hartneck and Weinmann were able to pull her back to the bridge deck and restrain her until additional officers arrived. She was later transported by ambulance to a local hospital for treatment.
"Based on the initial call information and the female's actions and statements while on scene, it is clear if our officers had not acted as they did, she would have jumped and caused serious injury or death to herself or drivers on the road below" said Police Chief Scott Nadeau.
For their prompt response, alert action, and teamwork on this call, Nadeau presented Officers Hartneck and Weinmann with the GVPD's Lifesaving Award at the Dec 7, 2021 City Council meeting.
(See image Sgt Sean Hartneck (left) and Officer Trevor Weinmann (middle right) accepting their awards from Commander Alice White (middle left) and Commander Dave Kuhnly)