Kevin and Kevin, 10 years later

L: Kevin Briggs, R: Kevin Berthia
source: NPR.org

On March 11, 2005, a distraught Kevin Berthia, then 22, was overwhelmed with his young daughter's medical expenses and recent job loss. He made a first time trip to the Golden Gate Bridge with the intent to end his life.

Sergeant Kevin Briggs of the California Highway Patrol, known as one of the "Guardians of the Golden Gate Bridge", successfully convinced Berthia not to jump.

After the failed suicide attempt, the Kevins did not see each other for 8 years. Then in May 2013, Berthia presented Briggs with an award from the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention for his work in saving hundreds who attempted, but did not commit suicide jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge.

Recalling their first meeting 10 years ago, NPR and StoryCorps.org have recorded their story. 

Today, Kevin Berthia is working and has 3 children. Kevin Briggs retired from the CHP in March 2014 and is an educator and speaker on suicide prevention.

I first heard about Kevin Briggs in the 2013 Yahoo film, "Guardians of the Golden Gate". It was featured in my June 29, 2014 blog entry. Poignant and moving, I always have to reach for tissues when I watch.

You can also see it here: