Meriden Man, State Trooper Honored with Medals for Saving Man’s Life at a Local Park

A state trooper who prevented a suicidal man from jumping to his death at a Middlefield park, and a pair of fast-acting bystanders, were honored during a Connecticut State Police ceremony over the weekend.

On June 3 the state awarded the Medal for Lifesaving to Trooper Larry Morello and a Commissioner’s Recognition Award to Yeibi Colon and Isai Albelo for their actions in stopping a man from jumping off a 60-foot high rock ledge at Wadsworth Falls in Middlefield. 

The awards are done twice a year, as the Connecticut State Police recognize both officers and civilians who exhibit such noble acts.

The situation began when Morello responded to the state falls around 6:20 p.m. on Aug. 6 after getting a report of a distraught male who was threatening to end his life by jumping over the cliff.

Morello, of New Haven, found the emotional man sitting on a rock ledge, next to a 60-foot drop, while Colon stood at the bottom of the cliff and Albelo only a few feet away, according to a statement from the state police.

Both civilians were attempting to verbally distract the man and calm him down, as the man was threatening to end his own life.

Morello worked his way to the top of the cliff and waded through water to a position behind the rock ledge. As he got closer, the man suddenly turned around and Morello quickly grabbed his arm, preventing him from jumping.

Morello and Albelo carried the man to safety, and he was taken to an area hospital.

“The swift response and sound judgment of all saved a life,” the state police said.

Colon is from Meriden and Albelo is from New Haven, according to The Middletown Press.