18-05-2025
2 Myrtle Beach officers recognized for saving suicidal man on bridge over Highway 501
MYRTLE BEACH, S.C. (WBTW) — Two Myrtle Beach police officers were honored Friday by the South Carolina Police Chiefs' Association for their heroic efforts to save a man who threatened to jump off a bridge.
Officers Matthew Muterspaw and Michael Mercurio were recognized by the group during the department's promotions ceremony on Friday.
'Their quick and compassionate responses on February 19, 2025, undoubtedly saved the life of the suicidal male and prevented a tragic outcome,' the department said in a Facebook post.
The man was in the median on a bridge that runs over Highway 501 and was threatening to jump off when officers arrived, police said. Muterspaw and Michael Mercurio 'built rapport with the male and were able to detain and transport him to the hospital without incident.'
'If it was not for the quick and outstanding work by these officers, this suicidal male would have carried out his plan of ending his life,' police said. 'Officer Muterspaw and PFC. Mercurio demonstrated what a true professional looks like and deserve to be awarded the life-saving award.'
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Dennis Bright is the Digital Executive Producer at News13. He joined the team in May 2021. Dennis is a West Virginia native and a graduate of Marshall University in Huntington, West Virginia. Follow Dennis on Facebook, X, formerly Twitter, and read more of his work here.
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