AVALON – A borough police officer waded chest-deep into the ocean Sunday to convince a man that his life was worth living, officials said.
Police received a call at about 2:30 a.m. Sept. 24 about a man who was threatening to harm himself, according to a borough press release.
Patrolmen Mark Glassford and Matthew Ardelean found the man on the 16th street beach, but as they approached, the man began to walk into the ocean and yelled at them to keep their distance.
After determining that the man was unarmed, Glassford walked into the waves to speak to the man, according to reports. Police said Glassford talked the man out of harming himself and helped him back to shore. The man insisted that he would not go to the hospital unless Glassford accompanied him, police said.
Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi commended the officers and said their efforts resulted in saving the man’s life. “I want to applaud patrolmen Mark Glassford and Matthew Ardelean for their proactive, compassionate approach towards helping this individual in need,” Pagliughi said.
