West High School teen recognized for heroic efforts that saved a man’s life
“If I hadn’t stopped on the bridge and found out the next day there had been a suicide, I would have felt very guilty. It would be awful to know I was there and could have done something.” – Desmond Powell, West High senior
“I saw him run up Dubuque Street, so that gave police an idea of the area he was in,” Desmond said. “I told them they could come get his phone to give it back to him when they found him.”
While Desmond waited, the man returned on his own, with a message of thanks for Desmond.
“He said, ‘People like you make me want to stay in this world. Thanks for believing in me. You saved my life. You’re a hero.’”
Anyone who knows Desmond isn’t surprised to hear how he reacted in this situation.
“Desmond is a leader, and I believe he will continue to shape the lives of others around him,” said West High School principal Chris Motika. “His courage and strong moral compass will guide him to a lifetime of success.”
A West football player and Navy Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps cadet, Desmond says he was raised to care for others and do the right thing.
“If I hadn’t stopped on the bridge and found out the next day there had been a suicide, I would have felt very guilty,” Desmond said. “It would be awful to know I was there and could have done something.”
At Monday night’s Board of School Committee meeting, Mayor Gatsas read a proclamation commending Desmond for his act of courage and caring.
“Desmond is a role model for all of us,” said Mayor Gatsas. “When someone in our community is in trouble, we should think about the ways we can help.”
As for that man who was in so much distress he wanted to end his life, Desmond doesn’t know what happened to him after the police and an ambulance arrived on Granite Street to attend to him.
“I didn’t even get the guy’s name, but I hope he’s doing all right.”
