Friday, September 01, 2000

Hamilton police to honor officer who saved woman

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By Earnest Winston
The Cincinnati Enquirer

        HAMILTON — When Officer Lanny Ash caught a woman who jumped off a bridge last week, he said it was no big deal.

        His boss and a city councilman disagree.

Hamilton Officer Lanny Ash will be honored for catching a woman who jumped from the Witt Way overpass at High Street. (Michael Snyder photo) | ZOOM |

        Police Chief Neil Ferdelman plans to award the rookie officer the Meritorious Service Ribbon, which is given to a police officer who saves a person's life. It's the department's second highest honor, behind the Medal of Valor for exceptional service.

        “We do want to make sure he gets just recognition,” Chief Ferdelman said. “We have actually never given one of these out. This would be a first for the department.”

        Chief Ferdelman said he wants to present Officer Ash with the service ribbon this month during roll call — in front of his peers and family.

        Councilman George McNally said he will present Officer Ash with a proclamation at the Sept. 13. council meeting, which begins at 7 p.m. Police officers will participate.

        “It's important to recognize positive behavior outside the norm,” said Mr. McNally, a former Hamilton police chief. “That certainly was outside the norm. It showed alertness and quick thinking. He deserves all the recognition he can receive.”

        At 2:15 a.m. Aug. 23, Officer Ash arrived to assist a fellow officer with a 23-year-old woman threatening to jump off the overpass on High Street. When the 140-pound woman jumped head first, his instincts kicked in. He caught her, sustaining injuries to both arms. The woman broke her elbow.

        Officer Ash, 27, still doesn't understand what all the hoopla is about.

        “I felt any officer put in that predicament would have (done) the same thing,” said Officer Ash, who has nearly recovered from his strained biceps.

        “I'm really speechless,” he said when told about the recognition. “I have to sit on this for a second because I had no idea.”
       
        Enquirer file Hamilton Police Officer Lanny Ash will be honored for catching a woman who jumped off a bridge.
       
        "It showed alertness and quick thinking. He deserves all the recognition he can receive.'George McNally, Hamilton councilman

       

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