UPS Driver Saves Man: Stranger With Death Wish Rescued By UPS Driver Who Plays Down Heroic Act

A UPS driver saves a man who jumped into a river in Rockford, Illinois, and is being hailed a hero. According to a report on WGN 9 News, Jeff Hermansen noticed a man park his car along a road and jump into the Rock River. When he realized the man was in trouble, he swam about 15 yards in and saved him.

The incident happened around 12:45 p.m. Tuesday when Hermansen, 40, saw someone intentionally jump over the bridge. The State Journal-Register reports that Hermansen was driving across the bridge when he jumped into river’s west side near the PNC Bank branch to rescue the man. The unidentified victim was transported to the hospital for physical and mental examination. He’s expected to be alright.

Hermanson refused to have any medical treatment and didn’t even bother to cover up with a blanket after his noble act. He was given dry clothes, however. The UPS man continued on with his route as if nothing happened.

Authorities say what the UPS driver did to save the man was both heroic and hazardous. Since the Rock River can boast fast currents and be extremely cold this time of year, he risked his own safety.

“To put his life at risk for another human being that he didn’t even know says a lot,” Rockford Fire Chief Derek Bergsten says.

Bergsten recalls how Hermansen played down saving the man’s life.

“We tried to get him to headquarters to get him a dry shirt and pants and he said, ‘I’m going to keep on my route.’ “

The man who jumped might have had a death wish, because he was allegedly trying to keep his head underwater. Hermansen turned him over and kept him upright as he pulled him to shore. Although he doesn’t consider himself a great swimmer, the UPS driver tried to save the man anyway. He doesn’t have much to comment on his heroic actions other than to say that he couldn’t stand by and watch someone drown.

“I hope he doesn’t try it again,” Hermansen said.

Sometimes people try committing suicide and they have a guardian angel of sorts who intervenes — allowing them to survive the attempt. This seems to be the case with the man who could’ve died in the cold Rock River.

Since the UPS driver saved this man who jumped over the bridge, it’s unknown what it could mean in the future for someone who wasn’t interested in saving himself first.

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