BLACKSTONE – Two Blackstone Police officers are being recognized for their calm and compassionate handling of a man experiencing severe emotional distress on the Canal Street Bridge.
Police Chief Gregory Gilmore presented Officers Eric Lawler and Brendan Fitzpatrick with letters of commendation for their actions during the incident. According to the Chief, the officers suspected the man may have been armed based on a prior encounter, but chose to focus on de-escalation rather than force.
Chief Gilmore said the officers calmly engaged the man in conversation, built trust, and were ultimately able to safely escort him off the bridge. They remained with him until he was transported to a hospital for a mental health evaluation.
Department officials praised the officers’ professionalism, patience, and commitment to ensuring the safety of both the individual in crisis and the public.
