Officer Ali of the Auburn Police Department has been awarded the department’s prestigious Medal of Merit Recognition for his actions during a life-threatening incident on June 19, 2025, when he helped save a woman from a potential suicide attempt.
The award, presented by Assistant Chief of Police Sam Betz and detailed in a formal commendation letter (see below), recognizes Officer Ali’s “excellence, compassion, and professionalism” in the field.
As we previously reported, the incident occurred on a bridge in the 1800 block of Auburn Way S. over R Street SE, where a woman was reported to be crying with her legs dangling over the guardrail.
According to the department, Officer Ali arrived quietly so as not to startle the woman, who was in visible crisis and potentially suicidal. The bridge is suspended roughly 30–40 feet above the pavement, making the situation extremely dangerous.
“You responded silently to not cause her alarm and possibly jump before you arrived,” Betz wrote in the commendation. “You did this knowing there was a risk that a struggle could have ensued when you grabbed the woman and you could have been pulled over the guard rail yourself.”
Body-worn camera footage captured the woman saying, “Please let me die,” moments before Officer Ali was able to pull her to safety. Afterward, he spoke with her, calmed her down, and provided resources for continued support.
“Your actions that day likely saved the woman’s life,” Betz continued. “Without your quick response, she may have jumped, which could have resulted in her death or serious injury.”
In recognition of his bravery, Officer Ali was awarded the Auburn Police Department Medal of Merit on July 9.
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