AVALON – Avalon Police Department received a call about a man who was threatening to harm himself Sept. 24 at 2:21 a.m.
According to a release, Patrolman Mark Glassford and Patrolman Matthew Ardelean were able to locate the man on the 16th Street beach. Upon their arrival, he began to walk into the ocean and yelled at the officers to keep their distance.
After determining the man was unarmed, Glassford entered the water, chest deep, to have a conversation with him. Glassford successfully talked the man out of harming himself and helped him get back safely to shore. The man insisted that he would not go to the hospital unless Glassford accompanied him.
The man was taken by Avalon Rescue Squad to Cape Regional Medical Center for evaluation and suffered no injuries. Glassford accompanied him and also suffered no injuries.
“I want to applaud patrolmen Mark Glassford and Matthew Ardelean for their proactive, compassionate approach towards helping this individual in need,” stated Avalon Mayor Martin Pagliughi. “Their efforts resulted in saving a man’s life and I commend them for their actions.”
