Deputies’ rapid response and Crisis Intervention Training and the critical support of our Real Time Operations Center helped bring a teen suffering a mental health crisis to safety Tuesday.

“This was a life-or-death situation, and our deputies did exactly what they were trained to do — act with courage, compassion, and professionalism,” Sheriff Rambosk said. “Thanks to their quick thinking and teamwork, a young life was saved. I couldn’t be more proud of the response by our deputies, as well as the critical role played by the ROC.”

At approximately 5:11 p.m. a distressed 14-year-old girl was located attempting to harm herself by climbing over a guardrail at the bridge over northbound Interstate 75 off Santa Barbara Boulevard, putting her life in immediate danger. ROC Analysts Rebecca Maciques and Kyle Driscoll played a vital role in identifying and communicating her location to responding deputies. 

Cpl. Thomas Corniola and Cpl. Logan Tarr were the first to arrive on the scene and quickly located the teen, who was already partially over the edge of the bridge and attempting to jump into rush-hour traffic below. The two deputies grabbed her legs and pulled her from the fence of the bridge as she continued to hold on. Despite her resistance, the deputies acted decisively and were able to secure her safely.

The teen did not sustain any injuries. She was transported to the David Lawrence Centers for further evaluation and care.

Sheriff Rambosk said the incident underscores the importance of Crisis Intervention Training for deputies. Since 2008, CCSO has been providing specialized CIT training to its deputies, equipping them with the skills and knowledge to respond effectively to calls related to mental health concerns. The training emphasizes de-escalation techniques, among other skills.

Corporals Corniola and Tarr each credited their CIT training for giving them the necessary tools to respond to the situation and achieve a positive outcome.

“Recognizing the individual was in crisis and the need to act quickly was imperative,” Cpl. Tarr said, adding that once deputies brought the teen to safety, they were able to calm her and reassure her things would be OK.

Corporals Corniola and Tarr and Analysts Maciques and Driscoll will be nominated for a CCSO Lifesaving Award for their efforts.