New Police Officer Saves a Life on the Brooklyn Bridge

A Hero on His Third Day

Imagine starting a brand-new, super-tough job and on only your third day, you help save someone’s life! That’s exactly what happened to Officer Cristian Yepes.

He works for a special team in the New York Police Department (NYPD) called the Emergency Service Unit. Think of this unit like the police "super squad" that handles some of the scariest and most dangerous rescues you can imagine.

What Happened on the Bridge?

Here is the story of that brave day, step by step:

1. The Call: On July 8, the NYPD got a call saying someone was in trouble on top of the Brooklyn Bridge.
2. The Wait: Officer Yepes and his team spent about one hour talking kindly and calmly with the woman. They were way up high — about 200 feet above the East River (that’s like a 20-story building!).
3. The Rescue: Yepes wrapped his arms around the woman to keep her safe and brought her down to safety.
4. The Promise: On his body camera video, you can hear Yepes tell her, "I got you, I promise."

Important Point: The rescue worked not just because Yepes was trained, but because he was kind and human. He said: "Yeah, we have the uniform. Yes, we’re police officers, but we’re just human at the end of the day."

Praise From the Top

The Police Commissioner (the boss of the NYPD), Jessica Tisch, said the officers showed "extraordinary" care, courage, and compassion. She shared this in a statement on social media.

And guess what? This wasn’t a one-time thing. The same elite unit did three rescues in just one week!

Yepes’ Journey to the Squad

Officer Yepes didn’t just show up and do this. Here’s his path:

• He was a regular patrol officer for 7 years.
• He finished 8 months of hard, intensive training to join the elite Emergency Service Unit.
• Right after that training, this rescue happened.

Yepes said in an interview: "This is what I’ve been training for, this is what I’ve prepared for. And my ultimate goal is to make sure everyone’s safe."

Help Is Available

If you or someone you know feels really sad or thinks about hurting themselves, you are not alone.

• You can call or text 988 to reach the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• You can also chat online at the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline.
• For more mental health help, the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) HelpLine is open Monday–Friday, 10 a.m.–10 p.m. ET, at 1-800-950-NAMI (6264).

Important Point: Asking for help is okay. There are free, caring people ready to listen at 988 any time.

Summary

Officer Cristian Yepes, on only his third day with the NYPD’s elite Emergency Service Unit, helped rescue a woman from the Brooklyn Bridge after an hour of gentle talk 200 feet in the air. His kindness and training together saved her. His team did three rescues that week. Yepes says being human is what matters most, and help is always available for anyone in crisis through 988.

FAQ

Q: What is the Emergency Service Unit?
A: It’s a special NYPD team that trains for a long time to handle very dangerous rescues, like saving people from heights or water.

Q: How high up was the rescue?
A: About 200 feet above the East River — that’s roughly as tall as a 20-story building!

Q: Was Yepes new to being a police officer?
A: No, he was a patrol officer for 7 years, but he was brand new to the elite unit after 8 months of special training.

Q: What should I do if I feel upset or in crisis?
A: Call or text 988 in the U.S. to talk to a free, caring helper any time of day.