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MANITOWOC – Manitowoc County Sheriff Dan Hartwig is lauding a deputy and “three young men” who helped rescue a woman from jumping off an overpass over Interstate 43 Wednesday afternoon, Nov. 19.
In a Facebook post Nov. 21, Hartwig said the young men — Jacob Mahner, Connor Roering and Carter Roering — were “scouting for waterfowl” on Middle Road. As they crossed the Interstate 43 overpass, “they noticed a young woman walking alone who appeared visibly upset,” the sheriff said.
Sensing “something wasn’t right,” the sheriff said they turned back to check on her. That’s when they saw her “sitting on the concrete barrier … feet dangling over the interstate below.” They called 911 and remained nearby.
The sheriff said Deputy Matt Hassemer was on scene within minutes.
“As he closed the distance, the young woman shifted her entire body over the edge,” the sheriff said. “Deputy Hassemer reached her just in time — grabbing her by the arm as she hung several stories above the interstate.
“What happened next shows the very best of our community,” the sheriff continued.
“Seeing the deputy holding onto her with nothing but a concrete barrier between them, Jacob, Connor and Carter ran to help. Working together, they lifted her back over the barrier to safety. Even as she resisted, they continued assisting Deputy Hassemer until she could be safely taken into protective custody and brought to a mental health facility for care,” the sheriff wrote.
The sheriff’s message continued: “These three young men did not hesitate. They acted with bravery, compassion and a deep sense of responsibility for another human being who needed help. Their actions, combined with the quick response and professionalism of Deputy Hassemer, prevented what could have been a tragic loss of life.
“Manitowoc County is a great place to live — not because of the buildings, the roads or the scenery, but because of the people who call it home,” the sheriff wrote. “Time and time again, our community members step up without being asked. They support each other. They look out for their neighbors. And in moments like this, they become heroes.
“This is a story worth sharing. It is a reminder that even in a world filled with difficult news, there are still good, brave young men who stop when something doesn’t feel right, deputies who risk themselves to save a life and a community that works together,” the sheriff said.
If you or someone you know is struggling, the following resources are available:
Contact Brandon Reid at breid@usatodayco.com.
This article originally appeared on Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter: Manitowoc County sheriff lauds deputy, 3 ‘young men’ for rescuing woman from overpass
Reporting by Brandon Reid, Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter / Manitowoc Herald Times Reporter
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
