Guardian of the Golden Gate: Retired California Patrolman Prevented Over 200 People from Jumping off the Golden Gate Bridge

Sgt. Kevin Briggs,
Guardian of the Golden Gate

For two decades, Sergeant Kevin Briggs patrolled one of San Francisco's most famous landmarks. For more than 200 people, he served as the bridge between hope and despair as he listened to their struggles with compassion and helped convince them life was worth another try. On August 27^th, 2015 Sgt. Briggs will share his story of hope to over 400 people in a keynote presentation at the Carson J Spencer Foundation’s Shining Lights of Hope Gala, 5:30pm at Wings Over the Rockies. For more information visit: www.CarsonJSpencer.org.

Sgt. Kevin Briggs, Sally Spencer-Thomas
and Kevin Berthia

Briggs is known as the "Guardian of the Golden Gate." A book of the same name chronicles his experiences with people preparing to jump to their deaths into San Francisco Bay.

One of the most famous rescues has captured the minds and hearts of many. In 2005, 22-year-old Kevin Berthia balanced on a narrow rail 220 feet above the bay ready to jump. Sgt. Briggs is leaned over the rail and listened intently to Berthia’s troubles for 90-minutes. Eventually, Briggs was able to convince Berthia to climb back over and to get him psychiatric help. Eight years later the two men were reunited, Berthia now with three children and a thriving career. Together they share a powerful message about the power of connection.

“Kevin’s message of compassion is particularly appropriate for our event this year,” said Sally Spencer-Thomas, CEO & Co-Founder of the Carson J Spencer Foundation. “We are honoring the work of first responders in their roles as rescuers and fellow grievers during calls of suicide, and as people who also experience suicide among their own ranks.”

Sgt. Kevin Brigss with Kevin Berthia

Brigg’s story and experiences has been featured at the TED2014 conference, The New Yorker Magazine, CNN, Men’s Health Magazine, NBC Nightly News, NPR’s Bob Edwards Radio Show, People Magazine, and USA Today.

View his TedTalk here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7CIq4mtiamY

###

About the Carson J Spencer Foundation - Sustaining a Passion for Living

The Carson J Spencer Foundation (www.CarsonJSpencer.org) is a Colorado nonprofit, established in 2005.  We envision a world where leaders and communities are committed to sustaining a passion for living. Our mission is to elevate the conversation to make suicide prevention a health and safety priority. We do this by:

• Delivering innovative and effective suicide prevention programs for working-aged people
• Coaching young leaders to develop social enterprises for mental health promotion and suicide prevention
• Supporting people bereaved by suicide