SAN ANGELO, Texas — A Good Samaritan was presented with a lifesaving award by the San Angelo Police Department and San Angelo Police Officers Coalition Friday in recognition for saving a juvenile from ending their life.
"It was on a Tuesday in May of this year, a gentleman by the name of Samuel Duran, was just minding his own business traveling down the road at about seven o'clock at night," SAPD Chief Travis Griffith said. "And he told me he was on his way to church he believes that night to go to Bible study and that day changed for him very quickly."
On an overpass over Loop 306, Duran spotted a juvenile on the side of the bridge who was getting ready to jump, Griffith said. After asking someone to call 9-1-1, Duran tried to "negotiate" with the juvenile and was able to subdue the juvenile before they were able to jump off the rail.
"I think it just exemplifies San Angelo," Griffith said. "Samuel said he didn't feel that special."
Griffith and his colleagues felt differently. Along with the award, Griffith gave Duran a challenge coin and the San Angelo POC presented him with an additional coin and plaque in recognition of his act.
Duran thanked the PD and POC, then gave credit to God for putting him in the right place at the right time.
"I just wanna give God all the glory because he allowed me to be there, and that's what really matters," Duran said.
Noel Anderson, SAPOC president, said when the coalition heard about Duran's actions, they wanted to be able to thank him.
Duran told Anderson he really didn't think he deserved the recognition, again thanking God.
Although he didn't pull over that evening with the intention of being recognized, Duran said receiving the awards made him feel awesome.
"Even though I wasn't expecting it, I think that what I did, was something anybody would do."