Adolescent bullying that has permeated present-day society recently led a local young man to consider ending his life. Fortunately, two local detectives just happened to be at the right place at the right time and their quick thinking prevented a potential tragedy.
During a standing room only ceremony Thursday, Livingston Police Detectives Kaleb Barker and Tremaine Bogany were recognized for their “swift response and heroic actions” that saved the life of a local 12-year-old.
“We’re here today to recognize Tremaine and Kaleb with a lifesaving award,” Livingston Police Chief David Mitchell said. “On Oct. 21 they were assisting patrol with a turned-over 18-wheeler at the junior high when they were notified by the junior high’s school-based officer that a student had left the campus and was missing.
“They located him on top of the bridge where he’d jumped up on a light pole. Without any hesitation and without any concern for their own safety – anything could’ve happened – they displayed swift response, heroic actions and remarkable heroism.
“It’s not every day that law enforcement gets to recognize good officers, but this is something we want to do to let the community know about,” Mitchell said.
The chief presented each of the detectives with certificates and then lapel pins that each of the detectives’ wives pinned onto their uniforms.
“I’d just like to thank everybody for coming out for both of us. It was a pretty scary day for us and I want to thank the chief and lieutenant for taking the time to do this for us,” Bogany said, adding that he didn’t sleep at all the night the incident occurred because he kept replaying the scenario in his head.
Barker agreed.
“Thanks everybody for coming. I agree with everything he said. I’m just glad we were together. If there’d just been one of us, I don’t know if we’d have had the same outcome,” Barker said.
Livingston City Manager Billy S. Wiggins made a few remarks following the detectives’ remarks.
“I want to commend you two officers. We’re so blessed to have the folks we have in our department. Chief was right. These days, you get up and go to work and you don’t know if you’ll make it home that evening. You both serve our department well and I just can’t thank you enough,” Wiggins said.
Lieutenant Jack Mueller agreed.
“A piece of paper and a pin isn’t why we do what we do, but it’s nice for those guys to be recognized for doing something good,” Mueller said.
