May 6, 2008 By Josh Krysak 2 min read

Two area corrections officers who saved a boy threatening to jump from a bridge in Brownsville last summer are among several state employees being honored this week. Last August, a frantic woman stopped two area security guards – Michael Lubinsky of California and Christopher Mickulicz of Blainesburg – as they traveled across the Inter-County Bridge.

The men, who were then both correctional officers in training at SCI Fayette, said the woman was screaming for help. They said they realized after stopping their vehicle that a boy was standing on the other side of the railing and appeared ready to jump.

The men took little time to react, quickly running to the boy’s aid and, with the help of his mother, pulling him safely from the bridge railing.

The 15-year-old, who was not identified, had gotten out of his mother’s car while traveling on the bridge and run to the edge of the bridge deck threatening to commit suicide.

“He kept saying he was depressed and his medication wasn’t working,” Lubinsky said in an interview last year. “He was just holding on with his arms.”

Mickulicz said after they pulled the teen to safety, the officers called 911 and waited for emergency personnel to arrive.

“It was real emotional. After we pulled her son over the two of them were just hugging and crying,” Mickulicz said.

“We were just in the right place in the right time,” Lubinsky said.

“Any good Samaritan would have done the same.”

Rendell announced Monday that Lubinsky and Mickulicz were among the recipients of the second annual Governor’s Awards for Excellence.

“The daily efforts of our 78,000 state employees enhance the quality of life for all Pennsylvanians,” Rendell said in a press release.

“Because of their dedication to excellence, the commonwealth has a reputation as the keystone of quality government and as a provider of outstanding services.”