Mayor, council commend first responders and three civilians for G Street Bridge rescue

Richmond Mayor Oler and the City Council on Feb. 17 publicly commended Richmond Police Department and Richmond Fire Department personnel and three civilians for their roles in rescuing an individual from the G Street Bridge on Jan. 5, 2026.

Mayor Oler said the civilians and first responders ‘‘demonstrated extraordinary compassion, bravery, and commitment to the safety of others’’ and that their ‘‘quick thinking, calm demeanor, and willingness to act in a critical moment made all the difference.’’ The council presented certificates to Nathan Glenn, Brian Nutson (transcribed variably in the record), and Kyle Lamb.

Chief Wely described the incident as a technically difficult rescue. According to remarks delivered at the council meeting, officers arrived to find a person impaled and hanging outside the bridge safety fence; three members of the public were holding the person until officers could secure him. Officers and fire personnel set up a rope rescue system, cut the impaling object, lowered the person to safety, and transported them to Reed Health. The transcript reports the individual was released from the hospital two days later.

Council and attendees applauded the named officers and firefighters who were present for the recognition. Mayor Oler and Chief Wely also thanked responding state police, the county sheriff’s department and the city’s code enforcement staff for securing the scene afterward.

The city’s presentation emphasized the coordinated work of civilians and multiple public-safety teams and said the episode underscored the importance of community support and emergency training. The council did not take further action on emergency response policy at the meeting; the recognitions were ceremonial.