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Sedgwick County EMS crew honored after bridge rescue of man during mental-health emergency
Summary
Sedgwick County recognized an EMS team that intervened when a man attempted to jump from a bridge. Commissioners praised the crew and discussed rising mental-health calls that affect public-safety workloads and budgeting.
Sedgwick County commissioners recognized District Chief Brad Crow, Paramedic Shay Smith and Lieutenant Megan Holub on July 16 for pulling a man back over a bridge rail during a January mental-health emergency and connecting him with treatment.
The recognition, carried in a video shown at the commission meeting and described by presenters, said crew members found the man on the bridge that carries Kellogg over Meridian and Edwards. “It was less than a split second that he made that decision,” the presentation said. County communications materials and commissioners said the crew physically intervened together and secured the man until police and fire units arrived.
The county highlighted the crew as “Hometown Heroes,” noting the team’s quick action and follow-up to link the person to mental-health resources. “I just wanna say thank you to the county commission… for putting the right people at the right time, and giving us the strength to get through,” a team member said during the presentation.
Commissioners used the recognition to underscore a larger concern: the frequency of mental-health calls handled by EMS. During the meeting Commissioner Beatty asked the crew what share of calls are mental-health related; the crew estimated “about 10%,” and said those calls have increased since the COVID-19 pandemic. Commissioner Beatty said mental-health demand “is driving” public-safety costs and appears in budget discussions.
The commission invited the crew forward for photographs and public thanks. Commissioner Beatty and others praised the team’s quick action, and county communications noted the recognition followed a Wind Surge “Hometown Heroes” feature at a June 28 game.
The item was a ceremonial recognition; no formal vote or budget action followed at the July 16 meeting.
