Officer saves life; honored for meritorious conduct

By Brandi Makuski

Ashley Hansen is truly one of Stevens Point’s finest.

That designation was sealed on Feb. 6, when Hansen, who’s been with the Stevens Point Police Dept. since November 2016, was awarded a Meritorious Conduct Award before a Police and Fire Commission meeting packed with fellow officers, firefighters and family members.

The award stems from an incident that occurred last December, when Hansen responded to a late-night report of a suicidal girl on the Clark St. Bridge.

When Hansen arrived on the scene, the teenage girl, who was visibly distraught, had already climbed onto the bridge’s railing and was facing the river.

According to Assistant Police Chief Mike Rottier, Hansen tried to establish a dialog with the girl, but she began to slide over the edge of the railing, in what appeared to be an attempt to jump.

Hansen quickly grabbed the girl’s leg and pulled her from the railing, placing her in handcuffs for the girl’s own safety. The girl was later referred for professional services.

“Officer Hansen’s actions, and willingness to risk her own safety, clearly averted the young female from jumping into the river on a cold December day,” Rottier said. “Her actions show great credit to herself, the Stevens Point Police Department, the community and her profession.”

“I’m glad I was in the right place at the right time, and was able to help somebody that [sic] needed it,” Hansen said.