Two Calhoun police officers are being recognized for their swift and courageous actions after preventing a woman from jumping off a bridge Saturday afternoon.
According to the Calhoun Police Department, the incident occurred around 4:30 p.m. on Feb. 14, 2026. Officer Andrew Hooker was parked on Oothcalooga Street near Pine Street when a concerned citizen approached his patrol vehicle and reported that a woman was sitting on the bridge just south of that location and appeared at risk of falling.
Officer Hooker immediately responded and found the woman sitting on the outside of the bridge railing, facing over the stream below. After exiting his vehicle, he attempted to speak with her, but she did not respond. The woman was visibly upset, crying while speaking on her phone with an unknown individual. When asked for her name, she became increasingly distressed and began shaking.
Believing the woman was in immediate danger due to her position and behavior, Officer Hooker removed his vest and quickly moved to secure her. As he attempted to pull her back over the railing in a bear hug, the woman reportedly locked her feet between the rails, leaned forward and shifted her weight in an apparent attempt to jump.
Corporal Joey Ulibarri arrived moments later to assist. Working together, the two officers were able to pull the woman safely back onto the roadway side of the bridge.
“We are grateful for the quick action of the concerned person who alerted Officer Hooker,” said Calhoun Police Chief Tony Pyle. “Their willingness to step forward, along with the professionalism and courage displayed by our officers, helped bring this situation to a safe resolution.”
Picture Courtesy of Gordon Gazette