TAMPA, Fla. - Damon Laney, a deputy with the Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, received the Governor's Medal of Heroism on Thursday for stopping a woman from jumping off the Sunshine Skyway Bridge in January.
Laney, 37, was off-duty and driving across the bridge when he noticed a vehicle pulled over in the northbound lanes with its hazards on. As Laney approached the vehicle, he saw a woman exit the vehicle and run towards the barrier wall.
Laney was able to stop the woman from jumping. She was later placed under the Baker Act and in protective custody.
"His actions and dedication to serving his community are an example of the incredible work law enforcement officers do to keep Florida families safe," Gov. Rick Scott said in a statement.
Laney has worked at the sheriff's office since 2012 and is currently assigned to the Patrol Operations DUI Unit.
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