(La Porte, IN) - Two La Porte City Police officers were honored at this week's Board of Public Works and Safety Meeting.

Triston Kajer and Taylor Atkinson were recognized for their efforts in handling a suicidal man in a public parking lot back on June 11.

Police Chief Paul Brettin credited the officers with gaining the man’s trust and put down the handgun he was pointing at himself outside a crowded restaurant. "They built a rapport with this young man and convinced him to put the gun down," Brettin said. "You can't teach this stuff. It really impresses me that they did this. I take great pride in both of these officers."

Kajer said he learned that the man was perhaps religious, so he talked to him about his faith. Atkinson sensed that the man just wanted someone to listen, so that’s what the officers did.

Mayor Tom Dermody also noted how well Atkinson handled a fentanyl overdose victim recently.

Both Kajer and Atkinson have joined the police force within the past two years.