(La Porte, IN) - The Michigan City Police Department is giving kudos to officers and a reminder to the public.

On April 4, La Porte County Regional Dispatch received a 911 call regarding a problem at the East US Highway 12 bridge that crosses Trail Creek. There, officers found a juvenile experiencing a mental health crisis standing alone along the edge of the bridge. They calmly spoke to the juvenile and offered assistance for several minutes, eventually able to bring in the youth safely from over the railing. The juvenile was then transported to a local hospital for evaluation and care.

Police Chief Steve Forker praised the officers’ urgency, care, and professionalism. “I am extremely proud of the dedication, compassion, and professionalism demonstrated by the responding officers,” he said. “These officers intervened to prevent the juvenile from falling approximately 40 feet, an incident that would likely have resulted in a fatal outcome.”

Forker also reminds the public that help is available for mental health problems. A simple call or text to 988 will reach the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline. The Michigan City Police Department’s Social Worker Jocelyn Colburn is also available to assist those struggling with a mental health crisis. She can be contacted at (219) 874-3221 Ext. 1072 or by email at jcolburn@emichigancity.com. La Porte Police Department also has a social worker on staff.