Local law enforcement are commending some quick thinking by a group of truckers out in Omaha, Nebraska, when a person experiencing a mental health crisis was seen on the I-680/US 6 overpass. It is not the first time truckers have come together to help in times of mental crisis.
A strong image of how truckers help protect lives
Media often depicts truckers as vile, rude people, when in fact they are some of the most caring you can find. That was put on display late Monday morning on Aug. 15 when a person was spotted on the overpass of I-680 and U.S. 6, locally known as West Dodge Road.
A group of four trucks used their trailers as a foundation for an air bag placed below the person, according to police social media reports from the Nebraska State Police (NSP).
The NSP commended the drivers for their help. “Thankful for the quick response by officers, troopers, paramedics, and others to this situation today in Omaha, and especially to these truck drivers for stepping up to help. If you ever need someone to listen, help is a phone call away at 988,” said NSP officials.
Drivers will remember the powerful image of 13 trucks in Detroit
It was back in late April of 2018 when the image of 13 trucks jammed under an overpass to lessen the fall of an individual also suffering mental issues. Fox 2 Detroit has the video of that fateful evening and the story of what happened.
The calls to 911 began at around 1 a.m., when a man was spotted on the overpass above I-696. Police began to clear the road and brought trucks up to shorten the distance if the person were to fall.
Michigan State Patrol’s Lt. Mike Shaw told Fox 2 in 2018, “We know that usually if someone jumps from that height it’s usually not going to be a good outcome. We will actually steal semi trucks out of the crowd and as we get the cars off the freeway we will direct the semis to another trooper that’s standing underneath the bridge and we will start to line them up right across.”
I can’t speak for all truckers, but I’ll gladly put my truck in harm’s way to help save someone’s life. The thought of “what could I have done” is something I do not wish on anyone.
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