Marine Services Bureau
Search and Rescue Stories
May 13, 2015
Suicide - Carteret Station
Trooper I Robert Albano
Trooper I Matthew Powers
Trooper I Matthew Powers
Trooper I Robert Albano #6212 and Trooper I Matthew Powers #6472 should be commended for their swift actions on Wednesday May 13, 2015. The two Troopers were on patrol on the Hudson River in the 44' Moose Boat. At 12:27 pm, they were dispatched to the George Washington Bridge for a suicidal male on the upper portion, center span of the bridge. Upon arrival at the bridge, they observed the victim standing on the outside rail. Members of the Port Authority Police Department were speaking with the suicidal individual, when then the victim fell backwards from the bridge and struck the surface of the Hudson River. Trooper I Albano immediately brought the State Police vessel to the victim's location. Trooper I Powers was able to directed Trooper I Albano to maneuver the vessel to within an arm's length of the victim. Trooper I Powers utilized the Moose Boat dive platform and was able to grasp the victim's belt. Troopers Albano and Powers proceeded to pull the victim from the water. Trooper I Albano then returned to the helm, and called for a First Aid Squad while Trooper I Powers began CPR. The victim was relayed by boat to Hazard's Dock in Fort Lee. While en route to the dock a pulse was evident on the victim and CPR continued. Upon arrival at the shore in Fort Lee, other agencies assisted with medical attention for the victim. Fort Lee FAS arrived on scene and transported the victim to Englewood Hospital, where he later succumbed to his injuries.
The immediate response, along with their expertise provided the victim an opportunity to live, if it were not for the devastating injuries sustained during his 212 foot fall. The actions of Troopers Albano and Powers demonstrate nothing short of professionalism. Their actions reflect greatly on themselves, and serve as a credit to the Marine Services Bureau and the New Jersey State Police.
