Bogalusa Police Officers Receive Merit Award

Two Bogalusa Police officers have received merit awards for their actions during an April 6, 2025 incident where a distressed individual was attempting suicide.

On Sunday, April 6th around midnight officers were notified of an individual sitting on the railing of the Pearl River bridge on Hwy 10 east near the Mississippi state line. Responding officers arrived and observed a female sitting on the railing with her legs over the side of the bridge. The individual was clearly suffering a mental health crisis, and would not let officers come near her. Officers Tyler Lindsey and Justin Blackwell began talking with her from a distance, eventually building a rapport. Over the next two hours, these officers were able to gain her trust and move close enough to assist her from the railing without incident.

The individual was transported to Our lady of Angels hospital for treatment.

Chief James Smith said “The fact that these officers were able to open a line of communication with this individual and prevent a tragedy is just one example of the professionalism, compassion and patience of our officers.”