Port Authority cop stops 12th jumper off George Washington Bridge in last 5 years

NEW YORK -- A Port Authority of New York and New Jersey police officer is being recognized after he stopped a 12th person from jumping off the George Washington Bridge in just the past five years.

Officer Jesse Turano, along with Officer Breand Muderrig, made the most recent save Tuesday night.

Port Authority spokesman Joe Pentangelo said the rescue happened at around 6:45 p.m. Tuesday, shortly after a motorist reported seeing a man leave his car on the lower level of the bridge's westbound side.

Turano and Mulderrig responded and saw the 37-year-old man standing on the outside of the bridge's railing with the river 200 feet below.

Turano reached over and grabbed the man, struggling with him to pull him back to safety as Mulderrig held onto his partner. They succeeded after a few tense moments, and the man was taken to a hospital for an evaluation.

Turano, a nine-year veteran and former Marine, started working at the bridge in 2010. He credits his weightlifting strength for his ability to pull people out of danger.