29-05-2025
Three Springfield police officers receive Life Saving Award
SPRINGFIELD, Ill. (WCIA) — The Springfield Police Department is recognizing three officers for their efforts that saved the life of a young man last month.
Springfield Police officers Jolene Balog, Logan Coventry and Jack Clement each received the Life Saving Award for their recent response efforts. On April 12, officers were dispatched to 239 N. 6th Street in response to a 911 call from a 22-year-old man who was emotionally distressed and stated he was going to jump from a nearby bridge.
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Officer Balog located the man walking eastbound on the south side of the bridge. As Balog exited her squad car, the man climbed over the railing and held on with one arm.
Through a calm and compassionate approach, Balog started speaking with the man and was able to reach him, securing his arm to prevent him from falling. Officer Coventry arrived on scene moments later and immediately assisted, grabbing the man's other arm.
As the man's feet left the edge and he dangled from the bridge, the two officers worked together to keep him from falling. It wasn't until Officer Clement arrived and wrapped his arms around the man's chest that all three officers were able to lift him safely back over the rail.
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Balog continued talking with the man and later transported him to a hospital to receive a mental health evaluation and care.
'These officers exemplified courage, professionalism, and humanity in a moment of extreme crisis,' said Ryan Leach, Commander of the Springfield Police Department. 'Their ability to remain calm under pressure and act selflessly reflects the highest standards of law enforcement.'
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