By Daniel Katzive

Two NYPD officers from the Upper West Side’s 20th Precinct were recognized this week for rescuing a woman who had jumped into the Hudson River earlier this year.

Officer Edward Groger and Officer Jasmine Brown each received a Hope Award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), New York City chapter.

The NYPD previously released body camera footage of the rescue, which West Side Rag reported at the time. Police were called to Riverside Park near the 72nd Street ballfield at about 7 p.m. on March 21, for a report of a person in the water. The video shows that the officers initially believed the person might already be deceased, but when witnesses tell them that they saw her jump in the water just then, Officer Groger reacts quickly, shedding his equipment belt and climbing over the railing. See the video below.

When a woman recently jumped into the Hudson River, @NYPD20Pct officers who were nearby rushed to the scene. Without hesitation, they plunged into the frigid waters & pulled her out where @FDNY personnel performed CPR. She is alive today thanks to their heroic actions.

Watch⬇️ pic.twitter.com/j1EtR8mb5M

— NYPD NEWS (@NYPDnews) March 25, 2024

Groger and another officer (not seen, but presumably Officer Brown) descend the approximately 10-foot wall to the rocks on the shoreline where they are able to grab the woman, and, with obvious difficulty, pull her out and pass her up to waiting firefighters on the bike path above. According to NYPD reports at the time, firefighters then performed CPR on the woman, who was believed to be in her 60s, and she survived.

Late March temperatures were mild as the sun went down that evening, but water temperatures were still dangerously cold. National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) data showed water-temperature readings of 45 degrees Fahrenheit for that day.

Candace Bravo, executive director of AFSP’s New York City chapter told West Side Rag via email that this was the sixth year that the group has partnered with the NYPD to host the Hope Awards. The awards ceremony honors officers who have used their specialized skills and training to help prevent a suicide crisis.

NYPD online records show Officer Groger has been on the force for 10 years and has received five awards for Excellent Police Duty in that time. He is one of two Neighborhood Coordination Officers assigned to the precinct’s Sector Charlie which includes Riverside Park north of 72nd Street and the northern third of the precinct from West 79th Street up to 86th Street. Officer Brown joined the NYPD three years ago and remains assigned to the 20th.

Please, if you are thinking about harming yourself or attempting suicide, reach out to someone you trust or call the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255). We’re in this together.

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